U.S. patent number 10,349,755 [Application Number 15/828,777] was granted by the patent office on 2019-07-16 for product securement and management system.
This patent grant is currently assigned to RTC Industries, Inc.. The grantee listed for this patent is RTC Industries, Inc.. Invention is credited to Tony Dipaolo, Stephen N. Hardy, John Wildman.
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United States Patent |
10,349,755 |
Dipaolo , et al. |
July 16, 2019 |
Product securement and management system
Abstract
A merchandising system that improves the merchandising of
product by limiting the number and the frequency with which product
can be removed from, for example, a merchandising shelf. The
merchandising system may include a base configured to support
product and a housing configured to engage the base. The housing
may comprise a top wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and
a front retaining wall. The merchandise system may be configured to
hold a number of products, such as cans (for example, baby formula
cans) in the merchandise system that would be accessible to the
customer one at a time out of the front of the merchandise system.
The front of each merchandise system may include its own individual
security window attached to the merchandise system that allows the
customer to remove one can at a time.
Inventors: |
Dipaolo; Tony (Naperville,
IL), Hardy; Stephen N. (Wadsworth, OH), Wildman; John
(Rolling Meadows, IL) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
RTC Industries, Inc. |
Rolling Meadows |
IL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
RTC Industries, Inc. (Rolling
Meadows, IL)
|
Family
ID: |
50546391 |
Appl.
No.: |
15/828,777 |
Filed: |
December 1, 2017 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20180078055 A1 |
Mar 22, 2018 |
|
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
|
15165470 |
May 26, 2016 |
9844280 |
|
|
|
14044361 |
Jun 28, 2016 |
9375100 |
|
|
|
13858574 |
Dec 27, 2016 |
9526351 |
|
|
|
13544363 |
Apr 9, 2013 |
8413823 |
|
|
|
13230362 |
Aug 7, 2012 |
8235227 |
|
|
|
12872721 |
Nov 1, 2011 |
8047385 |
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|
12496389 |
Feb 14, 2012 |
8113601 |
|
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|
11858545 |
Nov 24, 2009 |
7621409 |
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11685530 |
Nov 18, 2008 |
7451881 |
|
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11612210 |
Nov 27, 2007 |
7299934 |
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11140023 |
Dec 19, 2006 |
7150365 |
|
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|
11047915 |
Feb 16, 2010 |
7661545 |
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60541804 |
Feb 3, 2004 |
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|
60782000 |
Mar 13, 2006 |
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61708967 |
Oct 2, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F
1/12 (20130101); A47F 3/125 (20130101); A47F
3/002 (20130101); A47F 3/02 (20130101); A47F
1/126 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A47F
3/00 (20060101); A47F 1/12 (20060101); A47F
3/12 (20060101); A47F 3/02 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;340/568.8 |
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|
Primary Examiner: Tweel, Jr.; John A
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Banner & Witcoff, Ltd.
Parent Case Text
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 15/165,470, filed on May 26, 2016, which is a continuation of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/044,361, filed on Oct. 2, 2013,
now U.S. Pat. No. 9,375,100, which claims benefit to U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/708,967, filed Oct. 2, 2012, and
also is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.
13/858,574, filed on Apr. 8, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,526,351,
which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/544,363,
filed on Jul. 9, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,413,823, which is a
continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/230,362, filed on Sep.
12, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,235,227, which is a continuation of
U.S. application Ser. No. 12/872,721, filed Aug. 31, 2010, now U.S.
Pat. No. 8,047,385, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 12/496,389, filed Jul. 1, 2009, now U.S. Pat.
No. 8,113,601, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application
Ser. No. 11/858,545, filed Sep. 20, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No.
7,621,409, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser.
No. 11/685,530, filed Mar. 13, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,451,881,
which claims benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/782,000, filed Mar. 13, 2006, and which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/612,210, filed
Dec. 18, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,299,934, which is a continuation
of U.S. application Ser. No. 11,140,023, filed May 27, 2005, now
U.S. Pat. No. 7,150,365, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 11/047,915 filed Feb. 1, 2005, now U.S. Pat.
No. 7,661,545, which claims benefit to U.S. Provisional Application
No. 60/541,804 filed Feb. 3, 2004. All of the above listed
applications are herein incorporated by reference in their
entirety.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A merchandising system comprising: a display system including a
movable barrier mounted to the display system, wherein the movable
barrier is located above a plurality of products, and is movable
from a closed position that inhibits access to the plurality of
products on the display system to an open position that permits
removal of at least one of the plurality of products from the
display system, and a device for detecting movement of the movable
barrier and providing a signal indicative of a potential theft of
product from the display system.
2. The merchandising system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
products are urged forward using gravity.
3. The merchandising system of claim 1, wherein the movable barrier
is made from a clear material.
4. The merchandising system of claim 1, wherein the movable barrier
rotates about a hinge.
5. The merchandising system of claim 1, further comprising an alert
device configured to indicate that the movable barrier has not been
in the closed position for a predetermined period of time.
6. The merchandising system of claim 1, further comprising a sensor
for detecting that the movable barrier is not in the closed
position.
7. The merchandising system of claim 6, wherein the sensor is
configured to provide a signal indicating that the movable barrier
is not in the closed position, and the merchandising system further
comprising a notification device configured to provide an
indication that the movable barrier has not been in the closed
position for a predetermined time period in response to the signal
received from the sensor.
8. A merchandising system comprising: a display system configured
to hold a plurality of products including a barrier mounted to the
display system above the plurality of products to inhibit access to
the plurality of products, wherein the barrier extends downward
from a hinge and is movable between a closed position and an open
position, wherein the barrier substantially blocks removal of the
plurality of products when in the closed position and permits
removal of at least one of the plurality of products when in the
open position, and an alert device operatively connected to the
barrier for detecting movement of the barrier and for providing a
signal to a receiver, wherein the signal from the alert device is
selected from a group consisting of an audible, inaudible,
infrared, radio-frequency, cellular, ultrasonic, digital, analog,
and electronic signals.
9. The merchandising system of claim 8, wherein the signal is
received by a computer for further signal processing, and wherein
the further signal processing includes determining whether a theft
situation exists.
10. The merchandising system of claim 8, wherein the plurality of
products are urged forward using gravity.
11. The merchandising system of claim 8, wherein the barrier is
made from a clear material.
12. The merchandising system of claim 8, wherein the barrier
rotates about the hinge.
13. The merchandising system of claim 8, further comprising a
sensor for detecting that the barrier is in the open position.
14. A product management and securement system, comprising: a
display system for displaying product; a barrier mounted to the
display system and located at least partially above the product,
wherein the barrier is movable between an open position and a
closed position, wherein the barrier, when in the closed position,
is configured to substantially obstruct access to the product, and
wherein the barrier, when in an open position, is configured to
allow removal of at least one of the product; a sensor configured
to detect that the barrier is not in the closed position and to
provide a signal in response to a detection that the barrier is in
the open position; and a notification device configured to be
responsive to the signal and to indicate that the barrier has not
been in the closed position for a predetermined time period.
15. The product management and securement system of claim 14,
wherein the signal is received by a processor for further signal
processing, and wherein the further signal processing includes
determining whether a theft situation exists.
16. The product management and securement system of claim 14,
wherein the product is urged forward using gravity.
17. The product management and securement system of claim 14,
wherein the barrier is made from a clear material.
18. The product management and securement system of claim 14,
wherein the barrier rotates about a hinge.
19. The product management and securement system of claim 14,
wherein the sensor is selected from a group consisting of a
push-button switch, a motion sensor and a magnetic switch.
20. The product management and securement system of claim 14,
wherein the signal from the sensor is selected from a group
consisting of an audible, inaudible, infrared, radio-frequency,
cellular, ultrasonic, digital, analog, and electronic signals.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to shelf assemblies for use
in merchandising product and more particularly to shelf assemblies
that improve the securement and management of merchandised
product.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is known that retail and wholesale stores, such as drug stores,
grocery stores, discount stores, toy stores, and the like require
and use a large amount of shelving both to store product and to
display the product to consumers. In displaying product to
consumers to promote and improve store sales, these stores situate
or position the product toward the front of the shelf so that the
product is visible and easily accessible to consumers. This
desirable positioning has certain drawbacks. For instance, with
this desirable "front-facing" of product, the stores are finding
that relatively small products or packages of high value can be the
target of thieves. Certain items can represent a high value to
potential thieves who can either resell the items or use them for
other illegitimate purposes, as in the case of certain
pharmaceutical products. This theft is increasing and is now a
significant cost to the retailer because thieves prefer to steal
many products at once or in as short amount of time as possible. To
do this, for example, thieves will "sweep" the shelf with their arm
collecting the items into a purse, bag or coat very quickly and
exit the store without drawing attention.
Theft can be the result of both customers and employees actions and
has been difficult to eliminate. Attempts to deter and prevent
theft have proven to be only partially effective. For instance,
in-store cameras often do not observe the theft clearly enough to
catch or prosecute the thief. In addition, in-store security
personnel are rarely in the correct position to actually observe a
thief in action. As a result, theft continues to be a significant
problem and cost in the management of product inventory.
The present invention is directed at overcoming these and other
known drawbacks and problems with existing shelving systems.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes the above-mentioned problems by
addressing the securement and management of product in a retail
setting. As will become evident below, the invention has the
ability to inhibit "sweeping" of product by a thief and to limit
the taking of large amounts of product from a shelf in a short
period of time. Using one or more methods such as placing the
shelves closer together, using product dividers that extend from
the front edge of the shelf and between the shelves, using a
merchandising system that controls the speed of a pusher, placing
front walls having a specific height that results in a smaller
opening to limit access to product, using an electronic control
unit and an electronic lock-out mechanism which locks the
merchandising shelf and multiple shelves when too many products are
removed at one time, the present invention will inhibit sweeping of
product and the removal of numerous products at a time. The present
invention also has the ability to alert store or security personnel
and security cameras of a potential theft situation, while
minimizing the impact on access to product by legitimate
shoppers.
In an embodiment, a merchandising system comprises a base
configured to support product, a housing configured to engage with
the base, comprising a top wall, a first side wall, and a second
side wall, a pusher movably mounted on the base, a rotatable window
from a closed position to an open position about a hinge point
adjacent to the top wall of the housing, and a trigger axle located
adjacent to the hinge point of the window, wherein when the window
is rotated, the trigger axle is rotated. The trigger axle may
include a cantilever that is attached to the trigger axle. The
merchandising system may further include an audio box configured to
sound an alarm. When the window is rotated, the trigger axle and/or
the cantilever may rotate against a switch trigger located on the
audio box to sound the audio box. In another embodiment, the
merchandising system may include an audio box configured to sound
an alarm, wherein the trigger axle includes a cantilever that is
attached to the trigger axle, wherein when the window is rotated,
the cantilever rotates against a switch trigger located on the
audio box to sound the audio box.
Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent
to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed
description, claims and drawings in which like numerals are used to
designate like features.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 depicts a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of
a product securement and management system of the present
invention.
FIG. 2 depicts a partial side elevation view of the exemplary
securement and management system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 depicts a bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of a
pullout shelf that may be used with the present invention.
FIG. 4 depicts front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of
the product securement and management system of the invention
incorporating the pullout shelf.
FIG. 5 depicts a side elevation view of an exemplary pullout shelf
illustrating the product dividers and the restocking of product on
the shelf.
FIG. 6 depicts a side elevation view of an exemplary mounting of a
front retaining wall and a secondary retaining wall to the shelf in
addition to an exemplary pusher mechanism.
FIG. 7 depicts a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of
a front retaining wall and a secondary retaining wall.
FIG. 8 depicts a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of
a front retaining wall and a secondary retaining wall with product
displayed on the shelf.
FIG. 9 depicts a bottom view of an exemplary alert device mounted
to the exemplary securement and management system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary lock mechanism that may be used with
the present invention.
FIG. 11 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a movable barrier and
barrier extension that may be used with the present invention.
FIG. 12 depicts a close up view of the movable barrier and barrier
extension of FIG. 11.
FIG. 13 depicts a close up view of an exemplary handle that may be
used with the movable barrier or barrier extension of FIG. 11.
FIG. 14 depicts a close up view of the movable barrier and barrier
extension of FIG. 11 defining an opening and mounting structure for
receiving the lock mechanism of FIG. 10.
FIG. 15 depicts a partial front elevation view of the exemplary
securement and management system of FIG. 1 including the use of a
security camera.
FIG. 16 depicts a partial front elevation view of the exemplary
securement and management system of FIG. 1 including the use of a
video monitor.
FIG. 17 depicts a diagram of an exemplary switching operation
between a camera image and an image from a video player on the
monitor of FIG. 16.
FIG. 18 depicts another exemplary lock mechanism that may be used
with the present invention.
FIG. 19 depicts another view of the exemplary lock mechanism of
FIG. 18.
FIG. 20 depicts a back view of the exemplary lock mechanism of FIG.
18.
FIG. 21 depicts yet another exemplary lock mechanism that may be
used with the present invention.
FIG. 22 depicts another view of the exemplary lock mechanism of
FIG. 21.
FIG. 23 depicts a close-up view of the lock plate of the exemplary
lock mechanism of FIG. 21.
FIG. 24 depicts another view of the lock plate of FIG. 23.
FIG. 25 depicts an exemplary embodiment that includes the use of a
clip that may be used to further secure a side wall to the
shelf.
FIG. 26 depicts an isometric view of the clip of FIG. 25.
FIG. 27 depicts a close-up view of the mounted clip of FIG. 25.
FIG. 28 depicts an exemplary electrical power bar that may be used
with the invention.
FIG. 29 depicts another view of the power bar of FIG. 28.
FIG. 30 depicts an exemplary embodiment that includes a side wall
that may be used to provide further security for product on a shelf
or a portion of a shelf.
FIG. 31 depicts another view of the wall of FIG. 30.
FIG. 32 depicts an isometric view of a clip that may be used to
further secure a side wall to the shelf.
FIG. 33 depicts another view of the clip of FIG. 32.
FIG. 34 illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a box
shelf in accordance with one or more aspects of the present
invention.
FIG. 35 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment a box
shelf with a slideable shelf in a second position in accordance
with one or more aspects of the present invention.
FIG. 36 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment a box
shelf with a slideable shelf in a first position in accordance with
one or more aspects of the present invention.
FIGS. 37A-37B depict cross-sections of an embodiment of a hinge
plate engaging a blocking lip in accordance with one or more
aspects of the present invention.
FIG. 38 depicts an embodiment of two box shelves stacked on top of
each other in accordance with one or more aspects of the present
invention.
FIG. 39 illustrates a partial exploded view of an embodiment of a
box shelf in accordance with one or more aspects of the present
invention.
FIGS. 40A-40D illustrate various views of an embodiment a housing
in accordance with one or more aspects of the present
invention.
FIG. 41 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a
housing and a door in accordance with one or more aspects of the
present invention.
FIGS. 42-45 illustrate views of an embodiment of a box shelf with
various features omitted to provide additional details in
accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.
FIG. 46 illustrates a cross-section of a slideable shelf with a
divider in accordance with one or more aspects of the present
invention.
FIG. 47 illustrates a partially exploded view of a slideable shelf
in accordance with one or more aspects of the present
invention.
FIGS. 48A-48C illustrate various view of an embodiment of a support
surface of a slideable shelf in accordance with one or more aspects
of the present invention.
FIGS. 49 and 50 depict cross-sections of a portion of an embodiment
of support surface of a slideable shelf in accordance with one or
more aspects of the present invention.
FIG. 51 illustrates an embodiment of a portion of a slideable shelf
in accordance with one or more aspects of the present
invention.
FIG. 52A-52C illustrates an isometric, partially exploded view of
an embodiment of a hinge plate and construction in accordance with
one or more aspects of the present invention.
FIGS. 53A-53E illustrate a number of views of an embodiment of a
hinge plate in accordance with one or more aspects of the present
invention.
FIGS. 54A-54F illustrate a number of views of an embodiment of a
hinge base configured to couple with the hinge plate of FIG. 53 in
accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.
FIGS. 55A-55D illustrate a number of views of an embodiment of a
shelf support in accordance with one or more aspects of the present
invention.
FIG. 56 illustrates a cross-section of portions of a shelf support
configured to engage vertical rails in accordance with one or more
aspects of the present invention.
FIG. 57 illustrates a cross-section of an embodiment of a rail in
accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.
FIGS. 58A-58E illustrate various views of an embodiment of a
housing of a box shelf in accordance with one or more aspects of
the present invention.
FIGS. 59A-59D illustrate various view of an embodiment of slideable
shelf in accordance with one or more aspects of the present
invention.
FIG. 60 is a side view of an exemplary low profile shelf
support.
FIG. 61 is an exploded isometric view of a shelf system
incorporating the low profile shelf support of FIG. 60.
FIG. 62 is another exploded isometric view of a shelf system
incorporating the low profile shelf support of FIG. 60.
FIG. 63 is a side view of a shelf system incorporating the low
profile shelf support of FIG. 60 and an alert device and moveable
barrier.
FIG. 64 is a partial enlarged view of the shelf system of FIG. 63
further illustrating the moveable barrier in contact with a linkage
which is also in contact with the alert device.
FIG. 65 is a partial enlarged view of the shelf system of FIG. 63
further illustrating the alert device in contact with a linkage
which is also in contact with the moveable barrier.
FIG. 66 is an isometric view of the shelf system of FIG. 61 with a
box shelf mounted to the shelf.
FIG. 67 is an isometric exploded view of the box shelf of FIG.
66.
FIG. 68 is a side view of the shelf system of FIG. 66.
FIG. 69 is a partial enlarged view of the shelf system of FIG.
68.
FIG. 70 is an isometric view of the shelf system of FIG. 61 with
signage mounted to the shelf.
FIG. 71 is a side view of the shelf system of FIG. 70.
FIG. 72 is an isometric exploded view of the shelf system of FIG.
61 with multiple low profile shelf supports and with optional
mounting brackets.
FIG. 73 is an isometric view of the shelf system of FIG. 72.
FIG. 74 is an isometric view of an adjustable wall that may be used
to provide further security for product on a shelf or a portion of
a shelf.
FIG. 75 is a side view of the adjustable wall of FIG. 74.
FIG. 76 is an end view of the adjustable wall of FIG. 74.
FIG. 77 is an isometric view of the adjustable wall of FIG. 74.
FIG. 78 is another isometric view of the adjustable wall of FIG.
74.
FIG. 79 is an isometric view of an exemplary merchandising
system.
FIG. 80 is another isometric view of the merchandising system of
FIG. 79.
FIG. 81 is a front view of the merchandising system of FIG. 79.
FIG. 82 is a side view of the merchandising system of FIG. 79.
FIG. 83 is a partial side view of the merchandising system of FIG.
79.
FIG. 84 is a top view of the merchandising system of FIG. 79.
FIG. 85 is another front view of the merchandising system of FIG.
79.
FIG. 86 is another front view of the merchandising system of FIG.
79 illustrating product being removed from the merchandising
system.
FIG. 87 is another isometric view of the merchandising system of
FIG. 79 illustrating product being moved toward the front end of
the merchandising system.
FIG. 88 is a bottom view of an exemplary merchandising system.
FIG. 89 is a partial bottom view of the merchandising system of
FIG. 88.
FIG. 90 is a side view of an exemplary merchandising system.
FIG. 91 is another side view of the merchandising system of FIG. 90
illustrating product being removed from the merchandising
system.
FIG. 92A is partial exploded view of an embodiment of a merchandise
system in accordance with one or more aspects of the present
invention.
FIG. 92B is an isometric view of the merchandise system of FIG. 92A
in accordance with one or more aspects of the present
invention.
FIG. 93 is a side view of the merchandise system of FIG. 92A in
accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.
FIG. 94 is a side view of the merchandise system of FIG. 92A in
accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.
FIG. 95 is a side view of the merchandise system of FIG. 92A in
accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.
FIG. 96 is a side view of the merchandise system of FIG. 92A in
accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.
FIG. 97 is a side view of the merchandise system of FIG. 92A in
accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.
FIG. 98A is a partial bottom view of the merchandise system of FIG.
92A in accordance with one or more aspects of the present
invention.
FIG. 98B is a partial bottom view of the merchandise system of FIG.
92A in accordance with one or more aspects of the present
invention.
FIG. 99 is a side view of the merchandise system of FIG. 92A in
accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention
illustrating the opening of the door.
FIG. 100 is an isometric view of multiple merchandise systems with
an electronic control unit in accordance with one or more aspects
of the present invention.
FIGS. 101A-C depict an alternative embodiment of the door spacer
bar of the invention.
FIGS. 102 through 106E depict various views of an alternative
embodiment of a merchandise system in accordance with one or more
aspects of the present invention.
FIG. 102 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of a
merchandise system in accordance with one or more aspects of the
present invention.
FIG. 103A is a front view of the merchandise system illustrated in
FIG. 102 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present
invention.
FIG. 103B is another isometric view of the merchandise system
illustrated in FIG. 102 in accordance with one or more aspects of
the present invention.
FIGS. 103C and 103D are isometric views of a track of the of the
merchandise system illustrated in FIG. 102 in accordance with one
or more aspects of the present invention.
FIGS. 104A and 104B illustrate top-down isometric views of the
merchandise system illustrated in FIG. 102 in accordance with one
or more aspects of the present invention.
FIGS. 105A through 105E illustrate isometric views of the example
merchandise system illustrated in FIG. 102 in operation with a
product in accordance one or more aspects of the present
invention.
FIGS. 106A through 106E illustrate isometric views of the example
merchandise system illustrated in FIG. 102 connecting and in
operation with multiple merchandise systems in accordance one or
more aspects of the present invention.
Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it
is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its
application to the details of construction and the arrangement of
the components set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various
ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting. Rather, the phrases and terms
used herein are to be given their broadest interpretation and
meaning. The use of "including" and "comprising" and variations
thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and
equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents
thereof. The use of the terms "mounted," "connected," "coupled,"
"positioned," "engaged" and similar terms, is meant to include both
direct and indirect mounting, connecting, coupling, positioning and
engaging.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the securement, management, and
distribution of products in settings such as a retail setting and
includes numerous embodiments. One embodiment involves a shelf
management and display system that resides either on a standard or
existing "dealer" shelf typically found in a retail store or on a
shelf designed with certain advantages in securing products and
deterring theft. The embodiment may include uprights of a
pre-existing shelving system or may be a stand alone unit. The
display system includes front-facing systems, which force product
to the front of a shelf. Such systems may use various methods, such
as gravity, friction, magnetism, or spring-urged pushers or paddles
to bring product to the front of a shelf near the aisle. Many
examples of spring-urged systems that orient products toward the
front of a shelf exist and include the systems described in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,041,720 to Hardy, U.S. Pat. No. 4,830,201 to Breslow,
and International Application No. PCT/US02/15760 and corresponding
International Publication No. WO 02/091885 A1 to Hardy, which are
incorporated herein by reference.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in one embodiment of the present
invention, a shelf management and display system 100 includes
vertical uprights 102 and product shelves 104 removably mounted to
the uprights. The shelves 104 may be mounted at various positions
along the uprights 102 depending on the desired positioning and
spacing of the shelves 104. Similarly, the shelves 104 may be moved
or relocated to different positions along the uprights 102 as
necessary. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the shelves 104 may be
pull-out shelves that pull away from the uprights 102 like drawers.
As illustrated by FIG. 3, the shelf 104 may incorporate a locking
device 117 which involves cooperating catches that contact each
other in the locked position and substantially release this contact
in the unlocked position and that when released will permit the
shelf 104 to pull-out and away from the uprights. The shelves or
uprights may involve other locking devices, such as magnets,
latches, notches, binders, tension or the like. Once pulled away,
the store personnel can restock the shelf with product and then
slide the shelf 104 back to its original position and relock the
shelf.
A back wall 106 may be mounted to the uprights 102 through known
mounting techniques to aid in containing the products and to
prevent access to the products from the back of the display system
100. A lock box 108 may be mounted to the uprights 102 also through
known mounting techniques. The lock box 108 may be used for storing
and locking additional product and shelving components for quick
retrieval by the store personnel. The lock box 108 may be
positioned at any position on the uprights 102, including the
depicted positioning at or near the top of the display system 100.
In an alternative embodiment, the lock box 108 may be secured to a
shelf 104 as opposed to the uprights 102. With either mounting
location, the additional product and shelving components are
located at the display system 100 and can therefore be readily
retrieved by store personnel.
An exemplary embodiment of the invention may include a series of
walls or dividers 110 that are placed between product rows, lanes
or facings, and at the ends of the facings, to deter product
"sweeping" by a thief. These walls 110 are sometimes referred to as
"product dividers." As used herein, the terms "vertical walls,"
"product dividers" and "dividers" are meant to include any wall
(including vertical and non-vertical), divider, barrier, or
separator that may be used between product rows, lanes or facings.
The product dividers 110, when positioned in a spaced-apart manner
on the display system 100, form product lanes 112 for locating and
separating product to be merchandised.
The product dividers 110 or side walls also are positioned at the
sides of the product facing to prevent access to the product from
the side of the display system 100. In one embodiment, these
dividers or side walls may include telescoping features that permit
them to extend vertically or horizontally to provide additional
product securement. Significantly, these dividers or side walls may
be used in numerous applications as the size and extent of these
can be adjusted to fit most shelves, shelving or display systems,
or applications.
A pusher 126 can be used to urge product forward. This pusher can
incorporate a coil spring to assist in urging product forward. The
divider 110 in some embodiments can include a base or floor. In
some embodiments this floor includes a pusher track 128. FIG. 6
shows the floor on one side of the divider wall. A second floor can
be on the opposite side of the divider wall. With floors on both
sides of the vertical divider wall, product can rest on these
floors. In one such embodiment, a product can rest on one floor of
one divider and a second floor of a second divider.
The product dividers 110 define a height, shape and configuration
that deter the removal of product over the product dividers 110.
The dividers 110 extend in a vertical or non-vertical manner
between the shelves 104 and from the front of the shelf 104 to the
back wall 106. The dividers 110 have a generally rectangular shape;
however, other shapes and configurations of the dividers, such as
non-rectangular, oval, repeating patterns or the like, may be used
with the invention. Depending on the product to be merchandised and
the desired degree of access to the products, the front edge 114 of
the product dividers 110 may extend vertically between the shelves
104, or may extend non-vertically to make the products more
accessible to the consumer and easier to remove from the shelf. In
one embodiment, the divider 110 defines a front edge 111 that
includes a front edge portion 113 protruding outward from the front
edge 111, as shown in FIG. 5. The protruding portion of the front
edge will assist in holding the retaining wall or tab 122 in
position to prevent slidable movement of the retaining wall or tab
122, as described below.
The product dividers 110 may be mounted to the display system 100
using numerous techniques. As an example, the dividers 110 may be
inserted into tracks formed in the shelf 104 or tracks formed in a
base that attaches to the shelf 104. Similarly, the dividers 110
may be formed integral or as a unitary unit with a base that is
mounted to the shelf. Also, the dividers 110 may be mounted to a
rail, channel, or groove as understood by those skilled in the art.
The dividers 110 should be sufficiently rigid to retain the product
within the product lanes. Examples of dividers that may be used
with invention are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,041,720 to Hardy,
U.S. Pat. No. 4,830,201 to Breslow, and International Application
No. PCT/US02/15760 and corresponding International Publication No.
WO 02/091885 A1 to Hardy, which are incorporated herein by
reference. One skilled in the art will appreciate that other
dividers and techniques for mounting the dividers to the shelves
are known and may be used with the teachings of the invention.
In one embodiment, the dividers 110 may have a step down or decline
near its rear edge, or a decrease in wall height, to allow the wall
110 to be lifted and disengaged from the rail on which it is
mounted. With this configuration, the dividers 110 may be moved
laterally without interfering with the shelf above it. In one
embodiment, the vertical wall or divider 110 has a step down
beginning approximately 2/3 of the wall length from its front
edge.
In an embodiment, it may be desired to provide enhanced security
for items on only a portion of a shelf. These items may be located
in the center of the shelf or on a side of the shelf. Security
features such as those referenced herein can be added to only a
portion of the shelf, while the remainder of the shelf contains
fewer or none of the security features. Where high security items
are placed in the center of a shelf, these items can be segregated
from the remainder of the shelf through the use of walls. These
walls can provide the side barriers for the high security portion
of the shelf. These walls can be made of strong construction, such
as metal, and can extend from the floor of a shelf to a distance
fairly near the top of the shelf. These walls also can be attached
to the shelf as well as the other security features to limit the
possibility of the walls being bent, removed or otherwise thwarted
and to assist in limiting access to the items being merchandised on
the shelf.
Referring to FIGS. 25, 30 and 31, walls 340 and 350 are used to
segregate a shelf into a higher security area and a lower security
area. Walls 340 and 350 can be made from steel and can extend from
at or near the floor of the shelf to an area at or near the ceiling
of the shelf. The walls also can be adjustable. In an embodiment,
the walls can be comprised of a top section 344 and a bottom
section 346. As shown in FIG. 31, these two sections can overlap to
provide a continuous barrier. The top section 344 of wall 340 and
the bottom section 346 of wall 340 can include apertures that align
the two walls. A fastener 348 such as a screw, bolt, pin, rod or
other fastener can be used to join the two walls at a particular
height. The walls also can comprise a floor 342 which includes
apertures and can be connected to the floor of the shelf through a
fastener 349 such as a screw, bolt, pin, rod or other fastener.
Referring to FIGS. 74-78, in an alternative embodiment, the walls
340 and 350 may be in the form of an adjustable wall 702 that is
slidably movable and repositionable. The wall 702 defines one or
more elongated channels or slots 704 that permit movement of the
wall 702 and adjustment of the location of the wall 702 to a
desired position. In an exemplary embodiment, the channels 704 may
be vertically and horizontally oriented on the adjustable wall 702.
The wall 702 may be moved and positioned, as desired, and secured
to a lower wall portion 706 through the use of fasteners 708, such
as screws, bolts, pins, rods or the like. The lower wall portion
706 may include numerous holes 709 for receiving the fasteners 708
and may include a floor 710 which may include a plurality of holes
711 for mounting the floor 710 to the floor of the shelf as
described above. For convenience in adjusting the wall 702 relative
to the lower wall portion 706, a tool 714, such a hex key, wrench,
screw driver, or the like, may be mounted to the lower wall portion
706 to be used by a user to make the desired adjustments of the
location of the wall 702.
As should be readily apparent, the elongated channels 704 provide
for numerous mounting positions of the wall 702 relative to the
lower wall portion 706. In an exemplary position, the wall 702 is
fastened to the lower wall portion 706 such that the fasteners 708
are located at positions 716a and 716b in the elongated channel
704. In this position, as shown by FIG. 75, the wall 702 will be in
an unextended position. In one of the numerous alternate positions,
the wall 702 may be positioned and the fasteners 708 may be located
at positions 716c and 716d. In this position, the wall 702 will be
in an extended position such that the wall 702 extends upward
relative to the lower wall portion 706 and away from the lower wall
portion. In this position, the wall 702 may serve as an additional
barrier to inhibit access to the shelf and thereby further secure
the products on the shelf. As yet another example, the wall 702 may
be positioned and the fasteners 708 may be located at positions
716b and 716e. In this position, the wall 702 will be in an
extended position such that the wall 702 extends away from the
lower wall portion and will be at the same height as the lower wall
portion. It should be readily apparent that numerous other
positions of the wall 702 relative to the shelf are possible
depending on the desired level of security and the configuration of
the shelf, and the tool 714 provides convenience and ease of
adjustment of the wall 702. It should be understood that the
elongated channel may define numerous other configurations that
still permit movement and adjustment of the wall 702 relative to
the lower portion. The system illustrated by FIGS. 74-78 may
further be configured and mounted on either or both ends of the
shelf, and if desired, to the front or rear of the shelf. Also, the
wall may be made of any suitable material, such as metal or
plastic.
Referring to FIGS. 25-27, 30-33 a clip or clip member 320 or 360
may be used to further secure the wall 340, 350 to the shelf 104
and in particular the walls that separate secure products from
non-secure products. The clip 320, 360 also can be used to secure
divider 110 to a shelf 104 (embodiment not shown). The clip 320,
360 may be used to strengthen the wall 340, 350 to prevent the
bending or moving of the wall. With the use of the clip 320, 360,
the wall 340, 350 may be made of a thinner, less costly material
because the clip 320, 360 will prevent potential bending or
twisting of the wall to access the product on the shelf. The walls
140, 150 also are known as side walls.
In an exemplary embodiment, the clip 320, 360 is configured at one
end to engage a hinge rail 322, which is used to hinge the barrier
140, discussed below, to the shelf 104. The hinge rail 322 is
mounted to a shelf. The clip 320, 360 mounts to the shelf through
its interaction with hinge rail 322. The clip 320, 360 is further
configured at an opposite end to engage the wall 340, 350. More
particularly, the clip 320 includes a blade portion 324 that is
configured to engage with the hinge rail 322 and at any of the
multiple positions along the hinge rail 322, thus providing
flexibility in the placement of the clip 320. The blade portion 324
may take on numerous shapes and configuration and may be connected
to or joined with a clip body 328. The clip body 328 is further
connected to or joined with opposing wall mounting members 330. The
wall mounting members 330 are configured to be positioned on
opposing sides of a wall 340 with the wall passing between the
mounting members 330. The wall mounting members 330 further define
aligned holes 332 for receiving a mounting fastener 334 that may be
used to secure the mounting members 330 to the wall 340, as
depicted by FIG. 27. The aligned holes 332 may be thru holes or
threaded holes. As can be appreciated, any type of fastener or
securement technique may be used to secure the clip 320 to the wall
340.
Where a wall 340 or 350 is placed at the side end of a shelf, a
clip 360 can be used to further secure the wall 340, 350 to the
shelf 104. At the edge of the shelf, the hinge rail ceases (not
shown). Clip 360 includes a blade portion 362 that extends in only
one direction from the clip body 364. The blade portion 362 is
configured to engage the hinge rail 322. In an embodiment, the
blade portion engages only a single hinge piece or knuckle of the
hinge rail. For example, in FIG. 27, a single hinge piece or
knuckle is designated by 323. The blade portion 362 includes a
first blade portion 363 and a second portion 366 that can be at an
angle to first portion 363. The second portion 366 can be
configured to interact with the side 324 of knuckle 323. The blade
362 may take on numerous shapes and configuration and may be
connected to or joined with a clip body 364. The clip body 364 is
further connected to or joined with opposing wall mounting members
368. The wall mounting members 368 are configured to be positioned
on opposing sides of a wall 350 with the wall passing between the
mounting members 368. The wall mounting members 368 further define
aligned holes 370 for receiving a mounting fastener (not shown)
that may be used to secure the mounting members 368 to the wall
350. The aligned holes 370 may be thru holes or threaded holes. As
can be appreciated, any type of fastener or securement technique
may be used to secure the clip 360 to the wall 340 or 350.
A front retaining wall 116 may be positioned along the front edge
of the shelf 104. The front retaining wall 116 can serve as a
"fence" to restrain the product in the product lanes 112 and assist
in preventing the product from falling off the front of the shelf
104. The retaining wall 116 stops the forward movement of product
that is caused by the urging of the pushers, described below. As
exemplified by FIG. 6, the retaining wall 116 may be mounted to a
channel or rail 118 that extends along the front edge 119 of the
shelf 104. The channel or rail 118 may be mounted to existing holes
in a standard dealer shelf, or secured by any other known manner to
the shelf 104. The retaining wall 116 may be mounted to or on the
channel or rail 118. The front retaining wall 116 may be made of a
clear plastic to permit visualization of the product on the shelf
and provide a more aesthetically pleasing organization to the
merchandised product. The front retaining wall 116 can also be
created from opaque or semi-transparent material, or from wire, and
can be adaptable to display graphics. The front retaining wall 116
can have a variety of configurations, such as rectangular, oblong,
repeating patterns or the like.
As more clearly shown in FIG. 7, the front retaining wall 116 may
also include holes or openings 120 extending therethrough that are
spaced along the wall 116. The holes 120 permit the consumer and
store personnel to push the product back and away from the
retaining wall 116 for ease of insertion and removal of the
product.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the retaining wall 116 can have a height
that permits the removal of a single product at a time or,
depending on the desired level of security, a couple of products or
a few products at a time. In other words, the height of the
retaining wall 116 can permit limited access to and removal of
product from the display system 100. Stated another way, the
retaining wall 116 is not so tall as to prohibit any access to the
product, but is sized to allow the consumer or store personnel to
access and lift a limited number of product over the retaining wall
116 at one time. This limited removal of products is accomplished
through the use of the retaining wall 116 and the close proximity
of the shelf 104 positioned above the product. That is, in one
embodiment, the shelf 104 located above the product will be
positioned in close proximity to the top edge of the product, or
the top edge of the product divider 110, whichever is taller. The
shelf 104 located above the product, the product dividers 110, and
the retaining wall 116 will form an opening or window 131 through
which only a single, two, or possibly a few, product(s) can be
removed at one time or in a single motion. This configuration also
deters "sweeping" of product from the shelf 104. The size of the
window 131 can be adjusted by adjusting the location of the shelf
104 above the product, the dividers 110, and/or the retaining wall
116, or through the use of a second retaining wall 122, barrier
130, and/or barrier 140, described below. This window 131
adjustment permits flexibility with the system and allows the store
to set the window 131 size depending on the product size and how
many products they want to permit consumers to remove at a
time.
In an exemplary embodiment, if taller products are merchandised on
the shelves 104, or if a smaller window 131 is desired, a second
retaining wall 122 may be positioned behind or possibly in front of
the retaining wall 116 to serve as a retainer for the product. As
used herein, the second retaining wall 122 may be referred to as a
"tab" and may include any retaining structure or "fence" that can
be selectively configured or mounted to the shelves 104 to provide
selective theft prevention of specific products, such as high theft
items. Consequently, the second retaining wall or tab 122 may have
many configurations, shapes and designs, and may be used in front
of individual rows of product or groups of rows of product.
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the second retaining wall or tab 122 may
be mounted to or on a second channel or rail 124 that extends
parallel with the channel or rail 118. The retaining wall or tab
122 may be slidable relative to the shelf 104 or rail 124, or may
be fixed relative to the shelf 104 or rail 124. The tab 122 can be
positioned between adjacent dividers 110 and held in position
between the dividers 110. In other words, the tab 122 may not be
permitted much slidable movement in or on the channel or rail 124
because the dividers 110 will hinder such slidable movement. In
some embodiment, the dividers 110 contain a portion that serves as
a stop to prevent the tab or first retaining wall from moving
laterally. Such configuration further prevents theft of the product
as potential thieves will not be permitted to simply slide the tab
122 to the side and remove numerous products at a time.
The second retaining wall or tab 122 will have a height that
permits access to and removal of a limited number of product. If
desired, the tab 122 may have a height that permits removal of only
one product at a time. With the use of tabs 122, the display system
100 will have flexibility in that tabs 122 of varying height may be
positioned in front of the product lanes 112 to accommodate various
sized products. That is, if a row of product has a product height
that is different than a product in an adjacent row, tabs 122 of
varying height can be used to provide the proper level of security
and access to the product.
In one embodiment, the tabs 122 may be sized to extend across one
product lane 112 or in front of a single row of product. In an
alternative embodiment, the tab 122 may be sized and shaped to
extend across multiple product lanes 112. In this embodiment, the
tabs 122 could include slots or channels to permit the tabs to
"straddle" the dividers 110 and thereby extend across multiple
product lanes. In addition, the dividers 110 could extend through
the slots or channels and thereby inhibit slidable movement of the
tabs 122.
The second retaining wall or tab 122 may also be used in place of
the retaining wall 116. In other words, the front "fence" on a
product facing may be the tabs 122 of varying height, length and
width, or of the same dimensions. In this configuration, the
channel or rail 118 may be used to mount dealer-shelf accessories,
such as clip-in signage, price tag holders, and the like. The tab
122 also can be attached to the divider 110 or can be formed such
that the tab 122 and divider 110 are an integral piece. A wall or
partial wall structure such as tab 122 can exist at the front of
the divider 110 and can extend to the left or right or to both the
left and right of the divider. This wall or partial wall can be
used with or without a front retaining wall 116.
In an exemplary embodiment, the tabs 122 may include holes or
openings 125 through the tab 122, similar to the holes or openings
120 in the retaining wall 116, to permit the consumer and store
personnel to push the product back and away from the retaining wall
116 and tab 122 for ease of insertion and removal of the product.
In other words, the holes or openings 126 allow product to be
replaced by a consumer who removes it and decides not to purchase
the product. To this end, the holes or openings 120, 125 are
constructed to allow finger access therethrough to push back the
row of product. Once the products are pushed backward, the consumer
or store personnel can replace the removed products back into the
facing. It should be understood that tabs 122 also can be used that
do not include the holes or openings 125.
In an exemplary embodiment, the tab 122 may provide securement for
an individual row of a product facing. That is, it may be desirable
to provide additional theft deterrence for an individual row of
product. In this configuration, the tab 122 having the desired
dimensions may be positioned in front of a desired product row to
provide additional securement for just that row of product. This
embodiment will provide the stores with additional flexibility with
their planograms and product facings in that individual tabs 122 of
different dimensions may be placed at various locations across the
facing to enhance the securement of particular products.
In an embodiment, retainer tabs 122 can be used on an individual
facing basis for specific products. If a shelf is merchandised with
product packages of variable height, the retainer wall 116 must be
of a height that allows the shortest product package to be lifted
over it. If a shelf 104, barrier 130, or barrier 140 is employed
above the product, then the shelf 104 or barriers 130, 140 must be
located at a height above the product to allow the placement of the
tallest product below it. This may allow a thief easy access to the
taller product by being able to easily lift the taller product in
quantity over the relatively short retainer wall 116. It can be
desirable, then, to increase the height of a front barrier only in
front of the taller product. The second retaining wall or tab 122
can be of a taller height than the retaining wall 116 and can be
generally taller than required for the small product packages. The
retainer wall or tab 122 can therefore be constructed and used to
limit access to the taller product and removal of several taller
products at a time or in one motion, further securing product and
deterring theft. Similarly, the retainer wall or tab 122 can be
constructed and used to limit access to smaller but deeper products
and to limit the removal of several smaller but deeper products at
a time or in one motion. The retainer tab 122 thus allows flexible
placement of product on a shelf by the retailer and manufacturer,
no matter the size, shape, and configuration of the product.
The retaining wall 116 and tab 122 may be mounted, directly or
indirectly, to the shelf 104 using numerous techniques. The
retaining wall 116 and tab 122 may be slidably mounted to or
receivable in the channels or rails 118, 124, which are secured to
the front edge of the shelf through fasteners, adhesives, friction,
tension, magnetism, or other restraining techniques and methods.
The retaining wall 116 and tab 122 may also be directly mounted or
connected to the shelf 104 also through the use of fasteners,
adhesives, friction, tension, magnetism, or other restraining
techniques and methods. The retaining wall 116 and tab 122 may be
fixed to the shelf 104 or removably mounted to the shelf 104 to
permit additional flexibility in the design and level of security
of the system.
Pushers 126 may be placed behind product between the back wall 106
and the front edge of the shelf 104 to push the product forward so
that it may be removed from the front of the shelf. The retaining
wall 116 and tabs 122, if used, in some embodiments can stop the
forward movement of product that is caused by the urging of the
pushers. Known pushers may be used with the invention, including
the pushers and pusher systems described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,041,720
to Hardy, U.S. Pat. No. 4,830,201 to Breslow, and International
Application No. PCT/US02/15760 and corresponding International
Publication No. WO 02/091885 A1 to Hardy, all of which are
incorporated herein by reference. The pushers 126 may be
spring-urged pushers that move along a track 128 to push product
toward the front edge of the shelf 104, as shown in FIG. 6. Track
128 can form a floor on one side of the divider. A second floor,
with or without a track, can be located on the other side of the
divider.
In an embodiment, the pushers 126 may have a pusher face or paddle
129 that may extend laterally to increase the pushing surface of
the pusher to thereby push wider product more effectively. In other
words, the pusher 126 may have an extendable pusher face to push
either narrow product or wide product. The pusher face or paddle
129 may be extendable from a retracted position to one of several
extended positions. The extended pusher face locates the product
pushing surface behind the center or near the center of the wider
product, thereby greatly enhancing the pushing leverage on the
wider product. Numerous other types of pushers and pusher faces may
be used with the invention, including the systems and pushers
described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/772,134 to Hardy,
which is incorporated herein by reference.
The pushers 126 may be stand-alone units that are mountable to the
shelf 104 using any known technique, including the channel mounting
technique depicted in the figures. That is, in one embodiment, the
pusher 126 may be mounted to a front rail or channel 133, as shown
in FIG. 6, and may be slidably adjustable within or on that rail or
channel. Alternatively, the pushers 126 may be used in conjunction
with dividers 110 and may be operatively mounted to the dividers
110, as disclosed in the above referenced patents and application,
or as known in the art.
In another embodiment, the pushers 126 may incorporate spring
mechanisms, such as coil springs, that include an indicia strip.
The indicia strip is provided on spring mechanism and contains data
relating to the position of the pusher 126. A sensor assembly may
scan the indicia strip and transmit data representative of the
product and the position of the pusher on the display system to a
store computer or some other suitable device, such as a portable
computer or controller. The transmitted data can be used to
determine inventory levels and can be done so in real time. With
this embodiment, the amount of product removed from a particular
location in the store can be determined. This information can be
used to determine the effectiveness of product placement and
promotional displays, particularly when a product can be obtained
from various places within the retail store. And with respect to
deterring theft, a deviation in the typical purchasing habits of
the consumer can trigger an alarm. That is, the alarm can be used
to alert security personnel to the fact that too much product has
been removed from the shelf at one time and thus a potential theft
has occurred. The location of the incident can also be used to
alert a security camera so as to focus the camera in the direction
of the potential theft, as discussed below. With this embodiment,
numerous types of sensors and detection techniques may be used to
monitor the relative position and movement of the pusher 126. For
example, in an embodiment, the indicia strip may contain numerous
types of patterns that can be optically readable or can be read
using several different types of detection methods, such as passive
variable capacitance, inductance, resistance, magnetics, or active
signal detection. Numerous other types of sensors and detection
techniques are possible with the invention for detecting unusual
movement of the pusher 126 that may be indicative of a potential
theft situation, including the systems and techniques described in
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/772,010 to Swafford et al.,
which is incorporated herein by reference.
In other exemplary embodiments, the merchandised product may be
urged toward the front of the shelf 104 through other techniques,
including friction, gravity and/or magnetism. Each of these
techniques may be used with the display system 100 and the
teachings of the present invention. These techniques may be used
with or without dividers 110, depending on the desired application.
In one embodiment, the shelf is not completely horizontal but has
an incline or decline from back to front.
In another embodiment, the merchandised product may be urged toward
the front of the shelf 104 through vibration or quick movements
that orient products in a particular direction on the shelf 104.
Vibration can cause products to move forward on the shelf 104 and
prevent them from moving backward so that the product is front
facing. This vibration may be applied through mechanical,
electrical or other structures or designs.
In one embodiment, directed vibration moves product toward the
front of the shelf. The directed vibration causes product to move
in particular directions or in one direction and not to move in
other directions. Through this vibration, which is instituted
through the shelf 104, upright 102, floor, wall, ceiling or other
structure, or through a vibrative pulse or signal traveling through
the air, the product moves in a particular direction, such as
frontward.
In another embodiment of the vibration technique for urging product
forward on the shelf 104, general undirected vibration is applied
to the system. This vibration may be applied through the shelf 104,
upright 102, floor, wall, ceiling, other structure or through
vibration or a signal traveling through the air. Directors, such as
small toggles, ridges, flanges, fingers, or the like, cause product
to move in a particular direction depending on their configuration,
shape, and orientation. These directors can channel the energy from
unspecific vibration and force product in a particular direction,
such as frontward. The directors can be placed on the shelf 104,
divider 110, floors, walls or ceilings of the system and can be
incorporated into the product itself.
In an embodiment of the vibration technique, product sits on a
floor and friction moves product toward the front of the shelf. In
one embodiment, the floor may be a flat surface panel operatively
coupled to a motion providing device. In use, product is placed on
the flat surface panel and a combination of gravity and friction
hold the product in place on the flat surface panel. The motion
providing device then slowly moves the flat surface panel toward
the retaining wall 116 located at the front of the shelf 104. After
a preset amount of time, or through product position sensing
techniques, the motion providing device quickly, in a jerking
motion, pulls the flat surface panel in the opposite direction or,
in other words, toward the back of the shelf. By doing so, the
quick motion of the flat surface panel breaks the bond of friction
between the product and the flat surface panel causing the flat
surface panel to slide relative to the product and the product to
remain at its location. The motion providing device will then
repeat the previously described process and begin to slowly move
the flat surface panel toward the retaining wall 116. Examples of
such vibration techniques for urging product forward on a shelf are
disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/541,859 to Hardy,
which is incorporated herein by reference.
As indicated above, the dividers 110, retaining wall 116 and tabs
122 assist in preventing a thief from sweeping a number of products
into his or her coat or bag or from taking several products in the
same facing. To even further limit the access to the product, in
another exemplary embodiment, a horizontal barrier 130 (FIG. 2) may
be included above the product packages and secured to the front
edge of the shelf 104 positioned above the product. The barrier 130
may be fixed to the front edge of the shelf 104 or may be fixed to
uprights 102. The barrier 130 further deters unobstructed access to
the product in the product facing by reducing the area, window or
opening through which product could be removed from the shelf. The
barrier 130 may be constructed separate from the shelf or may be
integral with the shelf. The barrier 130 may span one row of
product on a facing, or may span multiple rows of product,
depending on the desired level of security. Alternatively, the
barrier 130 may comprise another shelf 104 positioned just above
the product. In this embodiment, the shelf 104 above the product is
positioned in close proximity to the product. The barrier 130
restricts access from the front of the shelf 104 to only one or a
few products positioned behind the front product in a facing row to
permit the removal of only a few products from a shelf, or a
product pusher, at one time or in one motion. The retaining walls
116 and tabs 122 may be used conjunctively with the barrier 130 to
prevent product from being easily removed from the shelf 104. In
other words, the present invention contemplates the use of one, two
or multiple barriers or walls to prevent several products from
being removed from the shelf at a time or in one motion. The
barrier 130 may be made of various materials and may be secured to
the front of the shelf 104 through any known technique.
A further embodiment of the invention incorporates a barrier 140
that spans across one or two, some, all or the majority of the top
of the product on a shelf 104. The barrier 140 functions similar to
a door in that it may be hinged or movably mounted to the edge of
the shelf 104, or the barrier 130, just above the product to be
protected. As used herein, the term "barrier" is meant to include
any structure that will prevent, inhibit or obstruct access to the
product on the shelf 104. The barrier can embody numerous shapes
and configurations. The barrier 140 may be mounted to the shelf 104
using existing mounting holes on the shelf. The barrier 140 also
may be mounted on the front edge of a front rail from the shelf
above it. The front edge of the shelf can have hooks or "j" shapes
on its underside. The barrier 140 can have apertures which fit
within the hooks or "j" shapes. The barrier 140 defines a bottom
lip or edge that may meet or overlap the top edge of the retaining
wall 116 or tab 122. Such meeting or overlap further closes off
access to the product except with deliberate action. In an
exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the barrier 140 may
include a handle 202 to assist in moving the barrier 140 from a
closed position to an open position, and vice versa. The handle may
be molded with the barrier 140 along the edge of the barrier as
exemplified by FIG. 13, or the handle may be a separate component
attached, mounted, secured, or adhered to the barrier 140 using any
known technique. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the
invention is not limited by a particular shape or configuration of
the handle and that the handle may define numerous shapes or
configurations. Moreover, the barrier 140 may be configured with a
reinforcing rim that extends along the edge of the barrier 140. The
reinforcing rim provides additional structural integrity and
rigidity to the barrier 140. The reinforcing rim may also be
equipped or configured with a handle. If the barrier 140 is
configured with a locking mechanism as described herein the
reinforcing rim will assist in preventing a potential thief from
bending or breaking the barrier 140 and thus giving the thief
access to the product that is intended to be locked and secured on
the shelf.
A hole or opening 204 may be located in the barrier 140 through
which may be mounted a cable lock or similar locking mechanism, as
discussed below.
In an alternative embodiment, the product display system includes
inverted features. The aspects of the invention that are placed on
a floor or a shelf and extend upward can be placed on a ceiling or
extend downward, and vice versa. For example, the barrier 140 and
retaining wall 116, the dividers 110, and tabs 122 may be inverted.
It is contemplated that in some embodiments the retaining wall 116,
the dividers 110, and/or tabs 122 may be configured above the
barrier 140 which would extend upwardly from the shelf 104. The
retaining wall 116, the dividers 110 and/or tabs 122 may be placed
on the underside of the shelf above the product and extend
downward. Pushers 126 and/or tracks 128 can be secured to the
underside of a shelf such that the pushers extend downward and the
pusher springs are located near or behind the portion of the pusher
that is near the underside of the shelf.
In some embodiments, to access product behind the barrier 140, the
barrier 140 must be moved or lifted, which requires a deliberate
movement and the use of one hand to hold the barrier 140 in place.
While the barrier 140 is lifted or moved, the product can be
removed. A consumer or store personnel who uses one hand to hold
the barrier 140 in place, will need to use the other hand to remove
product from the display system 100. This embodiment is constructed
to inhibit the ability of a consumer to access product with two
hands at the same time. While product is accessible to the consumer
or store personnel, the removal of large amounts of product in a
short period of time is deterred. The barrier 140 can be created
from a clear, opaque or semi-transparent material and may be hinged
or slidable in a variety of common ways.
Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, an adjustable and removable barrier
extension 206 may be configured with the barrier 140. The barrier
extension 206 may be used to provide additional product security by
creating a larger barrier to prevent or limit access to the product
on the shelf. The barrier extension 206 may be selectively mounted
to the barrier 140 through the use of mounting holes 208 and
fasteners 210. As shown in the figures, several mounting holes 208
can be located on either the barrier 140 or the barrier extension
206 or both. These mounting holes can be aligned vertically or
non-vertically. The several mounting holes 208 permit the barrier
extension 206 to be adjusted relative to the barrier 140 to permit
the barrier extension 206 to extend a desired distance, depending
on the application, the desired level of security, or the placement
of the shelves. Other techniques for mounting or attaching the
barrier extension 206 to the barrier 140 are possible with the
invention, including techniques using other types of fasteners or
adhesives.
The barrier extension 206 can define numerous shapes and
configurations depending on the desired application and level of
product securement. For example, the barrier extension 206 can be
configured to extend across one row of product, one facing, or more
than one row or facing. The barrier extension 206 may also be made
of a clear, transparent, or semi-transparent material to permit or
prevent the product on the shelf to be visible to a consumer or
stock person. The barrier extension 206 may also include a handle
similar to the handle 202 described above.
The barrier extension 206 may include a reinforcing rim 212 that
provides additional structural integrity and rigidity to the
barrier extension 206 to further provide additional product
security. The reinforcing rim 212 may also be equipped or
configured with a handle 214. If the barrier extension 206 is
configured with a locking mechanism as described herein, or
configured to be in a locked position, the reinforcing rim 212 will
assist in preventing a potential thief from bending or breaking the
barrier extension 206 and thus giving the thief access to the
product that is intended to be locked and secured on the shelf.
A locking mechanism may be further added to the barrier 140 to
further hinder or prevent access to the product on the shelf. In an
exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, a cylinder lock 200 may
be used to secure and lock the barrier 140 or barrier extension 206
in a closed position to prevent access to the product. The lock 200
may be mounted to the barrier 140 or barrier extension 206, through
a opening or hole 216 (FIG. 14), and may be configured to mount
through the openings 120 in the retaining wall 116.
In one embodiment, the lock 200 may engage an arcuate-shaped wall
portion 117 configured in or formed with the retaining wall 116.
The arcuate-shaped wall portion 117 will further secure the lock
200 to the retaining wall 116 by permitting the locking tab of the
cylindrical lock 200 to more securely seat on, or be held in place
relative to, the retaining wall 116. With the use of a lock, such
as lock 200, a consumer or store personnel will need to use a key,
special tool, or access card to open the lock prior to moving or
lifting the barrier 140.
In one embodiment, the lock 200 may engage an arcuate-shaped wall
portion 117 configured in or formed with the retaining wall 116.
The arcuate-shaped wall portion 117 will further secure the lock
200 to the retaining wall 116 by permitting the locking tab of the
cylindrical lock 200 to more securely seat on, or be held in place
relative to, the retaining wall 116. With the use of a lock, such
as lock 200, a consumer or store personnel will need to use a key,
special tool, or access card to open the lock prior to moving or
lifting the barrier 140.
Referring to FIGS. 18-20, another exemplary lock mechanism is
depicted. A lock 280 may be a key-locked rotating oval-shaped lock.
The lock 280 is secured to the retaining wall 116 through a hole
282 formed in the retaining wall 116. More specifically, and
referring to FIG. 20, the lock 280 includes an anchoring bolt that
defines a bolt head 284. The bolt head 284 and washer, if used,
will secure the lock 280 to the retaining wall 116. As can be seen
in FIG. 20, numerous holes 282 may be positioned along the
retaining wall 116 to provide flexibility in the location and
placement of the lock 280, as well as providing for the use of
numerous locks 280. The lock 280 also can include flanges 290, 292
that interact with retaining wall 116.
Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, the barrier 140, or barrier extension
206 if used, defines an oval-shaped opening 286. Similar to the
flexibility provided by the numerous holes 282, numerous openings
286 may be placed along the barrier 140 or barrier extension 206 to
provide the same flexibility. As shown in FIG. 18, when the lock
280 is in a locked position, the opening 286 prevents the lock 280
from passing through the opening 286. As illustrated by FIG. 19,
when the lock 280 is moved to an unlocked position through the use
of a key 288, the oval-shaped lock 280 will pass through the
oval-shaped opening 286 thus permitting the opening of the barrier
140 or barrier extension 206. With the use of the lock 280 and its
mounting to the retaining wall 116, as opposed to a lock mounted on
the barrier 140 or barrier extension 206 and extending into the
shelf, there will be no interference with product on the shelf, as
may sometimes occur with the barrier-mounted locks. In addition,
the lock 280 can, but need not, interact with the channels or rails
118, 124 and can leave these channels or rails substantially free
to receive other objects such as a retaining wall or tab 122. As
can be appreciated, the invention is not limited to the depicted
oval-shape lock 280 and opening 286 as well as the illustrated
placement of the lock and opening; rather, many various shaped
keyed or keyless locks may be used with similarly shaped openings
formed in the barrier or barrier extension and placed in numerous
locations and still achieve the benefits of the invention.
Alternatively, FIGS. 21-24 depict an additional locking mechanism.
A lock plate 302 can extend through an opening or slot 304 formed
in the retaining wall 116 and through an opening 306 formed in the
barrier 140 or barrier extension 206. The lock plate 302 is
configured to receive the padlock 300. One or more of the openings
or slots 304 may be formed in the retaining wall 116 at various
positions along the retaining wall including the depicted positions
between the holes or openings 120 in the retaining wall 116. The
openings or slots 304 are configured to receive the lock plate 302
and to secure the lock plate 302 onto the retaining wall 116, as
described below. While the openings or slots 304 are depicted as
vertical slots, other shapes and configurations of the openings or
slots 304 are possible with the invention. Padlock 300 may be used
to secure and lock the barrier 140 or barrier extension 206 in a
closed position to prevent access to the product. The padlock 300
may be any known keyed or keyless padlock and may be mounted to the
barrier 140 or barrier extension 206 through the use of a movable
lock plate 302.
As can be appreciated, depending on the desired level of security,
one or more lock plates 302 may be used to secure and lock the
barrier 140 or barrier extension 206 in a closed position to
prevent access to the product. The lock plates 302 are movable in
that they can be positioned within any of the openings or slots 304
along the retaining wall 116. Being movable also permits the
barrier 140 or barrier extension 206 to be made in various widths
to protect only those products on the shelf that must be protected.
In addition, the lock plate 302 need not interact with the channels
or rails 118, 124 and can leave these channels or rails
substantially free to receive other objects such as a retaining
wall or tab 122.
In an exemplary embodiment, the lock plate 302 may be made of any
suitable metal or plastic material and may define a nose 310 that
will extend through the retaining wall 116 and barrier 140 or
barrier extension 206, if used. The nose 310 further defines an
opening or hole 312 for receiving the padlock 300, as illustrated
by FIG. 21. The nose 310 also defines a notch or cut-away 314 that,
when assembled, will seat on the bottom edge of the opening or slot
304, as shown in FIG. 24. Once in this position, the notch or
cut-away 314 will prevent the lock plate 302 from being slid or
pushed back out of the slot 304 and behind the retaining wall
116.
The nose 310 is connected to or formed with a back plate 316. The
back plate 316 includes legs or retaining members 318 that, when
assembled, will be positioned behind the retaining wall 116 and
assist in holding the lock plate 302 on the retaining wall 116. The
back plate 316 and retaining members 318 may take on numerous
configurations that aid in holding the lock plate 302 to the
retaining wall 116. The lock plate 302 may be configured to not
only extend through the retaining wall 116 and barrier 140 or
barrier extension 206, it may also extend through and be used with
the tab 122.
One skilled in the art will appreciate that any known locking
mechanism can be used with the invention, including a cable lock
that may be mounted with the hole 204 (FIG. 13), and any known key,
special tool, access card, electronic, magnetic or wireless means
(for keyless locking mechanisms) can be used to open the locking
mechanism.
As depicted in FIG. 8, an exemplary embodiment of the invention
incorporates a system that causes an alert to store or security
personnel that a potential theft situation exists. In one
embodiment, lifting or moving the barrier 140 activates a
mechanical or electronic alert device 142, generally depicted in
the figures, that provides a signal, such as an audible, inaudible,
infrared, radio-frequency, cellular, ultrasonic or electronic
signal (including digital and analog signals), or a combination of
these signals. This alert signal may be a sound, tone or voice
annunciation that alerts store or security personnel that the
barrier 140 has been opened or has been opened for an unusually
long period of time and potentially represents a theft situation.
The alert device 142 also may send an electronic or other signal to
play a voice message via the store paging system, to activate a
local or remote strobe or annunciator light, or to send a signal to
a receiver, such as a store computer, a pager, cellular device, or
other portable device carried by store or security personnel. The
alert device 142 may also activate a security video camera to
monitor the particular area or vicinity, or activate a monitor that
is placed in the area or vicinity which would show the camera image
to the consumers and potential thief, or transmit the camera image
to security or store management via a web connection, cellular
telephone, personal data assistant, or any other signal receiving
device. The alert device 142 also may activate an advertisement,
informational announcement or other statement or display that is
provided through voice, video or video and voice. This
advertisement, announcement or statement can be directed to the
particular product or product type associated with product behind
the barrier that activates the alert device. The alert device can
be located such that barriers of a width of no more than one
product facing will activate the alert device when lifted.
As used herein, the term "alert device" is meant to include any
device or component that may provide an alert, warning and/or
signal concerning a condition, situation, and/or circumstance. The
alert device 142 may be hard-wired to the store's security system
or may be a wireless system. Wireless systems, if used, provide
increased flexibility in installation and can be readily installed
in existing shelves without the need to install wires for either
power or communication. In addition, the use of a wireless system
allows for the gradual installation of a system. For example, items
of high value (and therefore suffering from an increased likelihood
of being stolen) or items that tend to have significant variations
in customer demand can be monitored first. With a wireless system,
the alert signal may be sent to not only the store's security
system or computer, but also any portable device or receiver, such
as a controller, personal data assistant, pager or cellular
telephone that may be carried by store personnel or security. Also
with the wireless or wired system, the store's computer can process
further the alert signal to determine whether a theft situation
exists and can generate reports which can be analyzed to fine tune
product placement, placement of cameras, alert devices, sensors,
and so forth, as well as fine tune the delays and actions initiated
by potential theft situations. As understood by those skilled in
the art the store's computer can be configured with the network
server and can be accessible remotely through the world-wide web or
other network, and can be controlled remotely through the
world-wide web or other network.
In an exemplary embodiment, the alert device 142 is positioned on
the shelf 104, either underneath, as depicted in FIG. 8, or on top
of the shelf. Existing mounting holes on the standard dealer shelf
may be used to secure the alert device to the shelf. The alert
device 142 may be positioned near to or adjacent to the barrier
140. The alert device 142 may be operatively connected to the
barrier 140 through numerous techniques. In one embodiment, the
alert device 142 includes a switch 144, such as a push-button
switch, that will activate when the barrier 140 is moved or opened.
That is, as the barrier 140 moves and comes in contact with the
switch 144, either directly or through the use of an activator
plate 145, the switch 144 is activated. Alternatively, in a
closed-barrier position, the switch 144 is pressed, as the barrier
140 moves to an open position the barrier 140 moves away from the
switch 144, thereby releasing the switch 144 and thus activating
the alert device 142.
The alert device 142 may be operatively connected or coupled to the
barrier to detect movement of the barrier through other methods or
techniques. For instance, a motion sensor or similar sensory
devices, such as a light-emitting diode sensor assembly, may be
used to detect movement of the barrier and communicate that
information to the alert device 142. The sensor may be mounted in a
variety of locations including on the barrier itself or next to the
barrier to detect barrier movement. Alternatively, a magnetic
switch may be incorporated to detect movement of the barrier.
The alert device 142 may include sensory components and time-delay
features that will calculate how long the barrier 140 has been
moved or opened. Upon reaching a predetermined time period, in
other words, as the barrier 140 has been moved or opened for a
certain duration, the alert device 142 will send a signal, such as
the above-mentioned signals, to alert the store personnel, security
and/or the consumer that the barrier 140 has been opened or moved
for a long period of time, thereby indicating a potential theft
situation. In an exemplary embodiment, upon the passing of the
predetermined time period, the alert device 142 may send an audio
alert signal, including a signal different from a previous audio
alert signal, that would draw attention to the vicinity. The alert
device 142 can therefore be designed to provide its alert for a
fixed period of time before becoming silent.
In another embodiment of the alert device 142, the audio alert
signal is adjustable to provide a variety of alert tones of varying
frequencies, or to announce that the barrier 140 has been opened or
moved for too long and that the consumer needs to close the barrier
140, or to send a silent alarm to the store and/or security
personnel. Different signals or frequencies can be used as the
length of time in which the barrier has been opened or moved
increases. Numerous combinations of alert signals are possible with
the alert device 142 depending on the desired level of security.
The alert signal is adjustable and numerous combinations of signals
may be used to provide the desired signal level and thus security
level, yet avoid turning away legitimate consumers from selecting
and purchasing the product. That is, for example, the alert device
142 can be programmed to provide an alert signal that will draw the
attention of surrounding shoppers or store/security personnel, yet
short enough to limit aggravation of the legitimate consumers or
stock person.
Also, in another embodiment, a two-tiered response could be
implemented. For example, if the barrier 140 is moved, a signal
could be transmitted directly to the security camera, or via the
store computer or both. In addition, an inaudible notification
could be provided directly to security personnel. If the barrier
140 remains open or moved for a set period of time, more clearly
indicating a potential theft, an additional audible alarm and
flashing lights could also be activated, or any other alarm. Thus,
the response could be configured to more carefully match the
situation.
Referring to FIG. 15, in an exemplary embodiment, a security video
camera 260 may be placed in the vicinity of product that are high
risk theft items, or other product of concern. As shown in FIG. 16,
a monitor 262 also may be placed in the vicinity of the high risk
product. The monitor 262 may be used to show the security camera
image to consumers and any potential thief. Thus, a consumer or
potential thief that removes product from the shelf 104 of the
display system 100 may realize that their actions are being watched
by a camera and potentially recorded.
As can be appreciated, the position of the potential theft relative
to the security camera 260 would be beneficial to provide an
instruction to the security camera to focus on a particular
position. This positional information could be generated by a
number of methods, including providing a store computer with the
security camera coordinate system for the security camera. The
location of the alert device 142 relative to the security camera
could be determined during setup and during a potential theft
situation; the location of the alert device 142 could be used to
direct the focus of the security camera. Alternatively, the
security camera could be configured to focus in several positions,
such as three points along an aisle, and the store computer could
indicate which position was the most appropriate for the particular
situation. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the
described methods are illustrative because of the numerous methods
of controlling the security camera that exist.
In addition to the value of such system in loss prevention, the
monitor can show video in the form of advertising or consumer
information. As illustrated by FIG. 17, the monitor 262 can switch
between the advertising or consumer information and the camera
image through the use of a video switch 264. This switching
activity can occur on a periodic basis, such as every 30 seconds,
or can occur when predetermined conditions are met, such as the
lifting of the barrier 140, the removal of product, the movement of
a pusher, or input from a proximity sensor that a consumer has
entered or approaches the area. By playing the video segment, the
device not only reduces loss, but becomes a source of revenue when
advertisers are charged to place their message on the system.
A secondary video source for the monitor on which advertising,
consumer information or other content is shown can be a video
player 266 such as a video cassette recorder, compact disk-video
player, solid state digital video player, direct video, audio feed
or other video sources. With respect to the switch 264, the
switching action between the camera image and advertising or other
content can be effected by a hardware timer or a small
microcontroller. In one embodiment, the secondary video source can
contain a multitude of short video segments which are randomly or
non-randomly selected by the timer or microcontroller. The camera
260 may be a small, stand-alone type, not connected to any part of
an existing security system, or it may be any typical store
security camera existing in the store's security network. The
monitor 262 may be a small flat, color, LCD type monitor and can be
placed at numerous locations on or near the shelf 104. For
instance, the monitor may be placed in overhead signage above the
merchandised product or it can be attached to the shelf 104 edge.
In some applications, a larger monitor, such as a CRT-type, plasma,
LCD or projection monitor can be used. A preferred solid-state
digital video player may comprise the secondary video source. The
source may be housed in the same enclosure as the monitor or may be
located remotely from the monitor.
Referring back to FIGS. 4 and 5, in another exemplary embodiment,
the shelf 104 on which the product rests may be a "pull-out" shelf.
The "pull-out" shelf allows store associates or personnel access to
the product to restock the shelf but prevents a thief from
obtaining such access. The pull-out shelf allows easy access to all
products on the shelf. This function, however, requires that the
shelf not be movable by the consumer or thief and therefore the
pull-out function must be protected by a key-lock, special tool, or
other locking mechanism. In this embodiment, the product dividers
110 may be designed to be at least equal to the height of the
tallest product package on the shelf. As the shelf 104 is pulled
out, the product lane or dividers may cause the barrier 140 to
rise. If the height of the dividers 110 is lower than the tallest
product package, pushing the shelf back in may cause the barrier
140 to catch on the product packages and make it more difficult to
return to its closed position. Additionally, pulling out the shelf
104 will raise the barrier 140 which may activate an annunciator or
signal generator, as explained above.
Referring to FIG. 9, in an exemplary embodiment, a barrier placed
on a top-most shelf 104 may include a lock-box 108 that may be used
for storage of overstock product or additional display system 100
components. In an embodiment in which the top-most shelf 104 is a
pull-out type, the shelf 104 will pull out while the horizontal
barrier above it remains in place, allowing product to be easily
accessed. As indicated above, the lock-box 108 may also be mounted
to the vertical uprights 102, through known mounting techniques,
and may be mounted at any location on the display system 100. The
lock-box 108 may use any known locking mechanism that permits key
or key-less entry to the lock-box 108. One skilled in the art will
appreciate that other security components may be mounted to the
lock-box 108 including the security camera, monitor, and alert
device 142, to name a few.
In an embodiment, a stationary shroud 180 may placed toward the top
of the product display system 100. The shroud 180 provides security
and graphic placement, and product may be stored within it. The
shroud 180 provides security in that it functions as a top wall or
barrier preventing access to the product from a point above the
product. The shroud 180 may mount on or to an existing shelf. The
shroud 180 may be fixed or adjustable. With an adjustable shroud,
the shroud can be positioned at numerous locations on the product
display system. In addition, the shroud 180 can be a pull-out
shroud functioning in manner similar to the exemplary pull-out
shelf 104 described above. Moreover, the shroud 180 can also serve
as a shelf to hold product. In other words, the product display
system 100 could include multiple shrouds 180 that function as
shelves to hold or display product. Also, the shroud can be
configured to mount the barriers 130, 140, through numerous known
mounting techniques. In an exemplary embodiment, the lock box 108
having a lockable door 109, as shown in FIG. 9, may be placed on
the shroud 180 for additional product storage and graphic
placement.
The product display system 100 of the invention offers various
levels of securement and theft protection. Each level described
herein can be used separately and various or all levels can be used
in conjunction with each other. Each level can also be added to or
adapted with existing shelf systems or be provided as a stand alone
system. The divider or retaining walls 110 provide securement. The
front retaining wall 116 or "fence" provides securement, with or
without the retaining tabs 120. The barriers and access doors 130,
140 over the top of the retaining wall 116 provides securement. The
close positioning of the shelf 104 over the product located on the
shelf below provides securement. The audible or other signal that
is generated by the alert device 142 when the barrier 140 has been
open for a set period of time provides securement. The security
camera and video and display devices provide securement. Each of
these separable aspects of an embodiment of the invention can be
used on its own in a retail setting, or can be used in conjunction
with other aspects of the embodiment. Each separable aspect can be
added to existing shelving or display systems to effectively
retrofit and add one or more levels of security to such existing
systems.
One embodiment of the invention features various levels of theft
deterrent. One level assists in preventing sweeping of products.
Pushers 126, dividers 110, and retaining walls 116 are coupled with
a shelf 104 or barrier 130, or both, above the product to provide
securement to the product. The pushers, dividers, retaining walls,
shelf, and barrier allow approximately one, two or three packages
to be removed through an opening at one time from a facing of the
display system. Second retaining walls or tabs 122 may be used to
provide individual securement for specific rows of product. The
front wall 116 and tabs 122 may also include holes or openings that
extend therethrough that would require the consumer to push on the
product through the holes or openings in order to remove the
product from the shelf.
A second level of securement incorporates all of the features of
first level with the addition of a barrier 140 or access door. To
access the product, the consumer must utilize two hands, one to
lift or slide the barrier 140 and the other to remove the product,
thus adding a second layer of deterrent to the system.
A third level of securement builds upon the features of the first
and second levels with the addition of a theft-warning notification
device, such as an alert device 142, or other signal transmission
device. The alert notification or signal transmission is activated
if the barrier 140 or access door is open a predetermined amount of
time. This delay can be adjusted to any duration or eliminated. The
notification provides an audible, inaudible, infrared,
radio-frequency, electronic, or cellular signal that notifies
consumers and/or store and security personnel that the barrier 140
has been open for a particular period of time. The signal
transmission can send a signal to a store computer, store personnel
or a security camera or monitor. The signal can alert the store
computer or personnel that the barrier 140 or access door has been
opened for a particular period of time and can activate the
security camera and monitor to show the thief an image of himself
or herself in front of the product. This image can be recorded.
Additional alert notifications or signal transmissions can be
activated as the amount of time the barrier or access door is open
increases.
An additional level of deterrence of theft by consumers or store
personnel is the use of a locking mechanism on the shelf 104 to
limit unauthorized personnel from pulling out the shelf. The system
can require the use of a key or an uncommonly or commonly shaped
instrument to be inserted into a concealed access slot in the front
or underside of the shelf. This method is designed to require
someone with specific knowledge of the shelf operation to disengage
the lock. In an embodiment, the barrier 140 or access door on the
shelf 104 can be automatically raised for restocking purposes when
the shelf is pulled out, then re-engaged once the shelf has been
returned to the closed position. In this application, an audio
alert may be incorporated that indicates that the shelf is being
restocked with product.
In addition, in an embodiment, a stationary shroud 180 may be
placed toward the top of the product display and management system.
The shroud provides security by inhibiting access to the product
from above the product. Also, a lock box can be placed anywhere on
the system to store additional product that will be secured by a
key lock or some other locking mechanism.
In one embodiment of the present invention, various aspects of the
invention are added to portions of existing shelves. In some
environments, there are only one, two or a few potential high-theft
products among a display of many products. Aspects of the present
invention can be added solely to the portion of a shelf management
and display system with respect to those high-theft products. For
example, a barrier 140 could be placed solely over those products.
In addition, side walls could be placed to cover one or more of the
sides of the products to further deter sweeping or other theft. A
front barrier, a locking mechanism or other aspects of the
invention described herein could be used solely with the high-theft
products or other highly relevant products in a display and not
used with other products in the same display. In one embodiment, a
particular set of relevant products can be effectively segregated
from the other products within the same display. This particular
set of relevant products can be subject to additional security
aspects described herein that are not used with the remaining
products in the display.
Referring to FIGS. 28-29, there is depicted an adjustable power bar
400 that may be selectively mounted to the back wall 106. The power
bar 400 will provide electrical power to various components mounted
to the shelves, including any video monitors, security cameras,
lighting, illuminated signage, overhead header lights, radios,
stereos, or any other components that may be mounted to a shelf or
the product display and require electrical power. As illustrated by
the Figures, the power bar 400 is selectively adjustable between
several positions to accommodate shelf height changes or
adjustments without causing obstruction with the mounting or
adjustment of the shelf.
Conventionally, power outlets were mounted to the shelf and were
not easily movable. In fact, significant force was required to
unlock the power outlets from the track on which they were mounted
to then move the power outlets. In other known applications, the
power outlets were mounted to conductive tracks, similar to
track-lighting tracks which included embedded power tracks. With
those track-type systems, the power outlets needed to be placed at
correct locations and snap-fit into position. Once installed, the
power outlets were not slidable.
The power bar 400 of the invention solves these problems and other
known problems by providing a power source for a product display
that is easily mountable to the display, such as the back wall 106,
and is easily adjustable to accommodate changes made to the
positions of the shelves. The power bar 400 includes an elongated
body 402 that may be attached to the back wall 106 of the display.
As illustrated, the power bar 400 may be mounted in a vertical
manner and the elongated body 402 may extend the entire height of
the product display or alternatively less than the entire height of
the product display. The power bar 400 may be slidably moved (as
indicated by direction arrow 401) a sufficient distance to avoid
interference with the product shelf that may be placed at
approximately the same vertical height, or with the repositioning
of the mounted product shelf. The power bar 400 includes one or
more power outlets 404 that may be configured at numerous positions
on the power bar 400. Once in the desired position, a fastener, not
shown, may be positioned through an adjustment slot 406 to secure
the power bar 400 to the back wall 106 at the desired height. The
adjustment slot 406 is elongated to permit further adjustment of
the power bar 400.
The elongated body 402 defines an elongated hollow cavity 408
through which may pass conducting wires 410 that are used to supply
the power to the power bar outlets 404. The elongated body 402 may
also include a recessed channel 412 formed in the body 402 and
along each side of the body 402. The channel 412 may be used as a
receptor for receiving and aligning the power bar 400 onto the body
402. The power bar 400 may fit on or within the channel 412 in a
tongue-and-groove manner, or any other suitable mounting connection
that permits slidable movement of one component relative to
another. Once installed, the power bar 400 will slide relative to
the body 402 in or on the channel 412.
FIGS. 34-59 illustrate an embodiment of a box-shelf that may be
secured directly to an upright. Thus, as depicted, the box-shelf
may be provided as a complete unit that provides theft-prevention
benefits as discussed above while allowing for more straightforward
installation in a retail location. As can be appreciated, in an
embodiment the box-shelf may be configured to be self-contained so
as to eliminate the need for a support shelf.
Looking first at FIGS. 34-36, a box-shelf 3405 includes a top 3420
and two sides 3422 that can be connected together to form part of a
housing 3408. A recessed portion 3421 is provided so that in the
event that the box-shelf 3405 is mounted under a shelf, the
recessed portion 3421 will aid in ensuring there is no interference
with the brackets that support the shelf or other structure that
may extend downward (not shown). One or more shelf supports 3430
are mounted to the box shelf 3405 so as to enable the box shelf
3405 to be mounted to a vertical support (not shown) in a
traditional manner.
A slidable shelf 3410 is mounted to one or more tracks 3416, which
can be supported at least in part by the sides 3422. As depicted,
the slidable shelf 3410 can include a support surface 3412 that
supports a divider 3418 (which may be a pusher or a simple divider)
and includes a rail 3445 mounted to the front of the shelf 3410.
The rail in turn supports a retainer 3414.
As depicted, a door 3424 with one or more handles 3426 can be
mounted to the top 3420 via hinge system 4010 and is coupled to a
control unit 3515 that may be configured to produce an audible tone
(immediately or after some predetermined delay) when the door is
opened and may further be configured to provide a signal to a
remote device so as to trigger video capture or security
personal.
Slidable shelf 3410 translates via a track 3416 when locking
feature 3525 is actuated. As can be appreciated, to translate the
slidable shelf 3410, the door 3424 needs to be opened and in an
embodiment, as depicted, the door may open up to 90 degrees. As can
be appreciated, the rail 3445 can also be mounted on the top 3420
of the box shelf 3405.
It should be noted that details such as discussed above with
respect to FIGS. 1-33 may also be incorporated into the embodiment
depicted in FIGS. 34-59, where appropriate. Thus, where desirable
and/or convenient, the above details may be incorporated.
FIGS. 37a-37b show the locking feature 3525 in a locked or blocking
position and an opening and non-blocking position. In an
embodiment, an opening in the lip 3547 allows a key to be inserted
so as to translate the locking feature 3525 from the locked to the
open position. Thus, as can now be appreciated, the locking feature
3525 is shown in both the blocked and open position in a number of
the Figures.
As depicted in FIG. 38, one or more box shelves 3405 may be mounted
on top of each other. In such a configuration, a path 3810 can
allow the insertion of a key (not shown) to actuate the locking
feature 3525.
As can be appreciated from FIG. 39, the door 3424 can be pivotally
mounted to support 3925. Furthermore, a hat channel 3915 can be
provided for additional strength and rigidity of the box shelf
3405. The hat channel 3915 may also be used to support the locking
feature 3525 and/or one or more tracks 3416. As depicted, two shelf
supports 3430 (sometimes referred to as brackets) are mounted to a
rear panel 3940 and include slots so as to allow the box shelf to
be mounted to vertical supports in an adjustable manner even if the
position of the vertical supports include some degree of tolerance
stack-up. The shelf supports 3430 can be connected to one or more
vertical rails (not shown) of a shelving structure.
FIGS. 40-47 illustrate additional details of the depicted
embodiment of the box shelf. It should be noted that the box-shelf
may be constructed out of known materials, such as powder coated 18
gauge steel or some other appropriate material. FIG. 48 illustrates
an embodiment of the support surface 3412 and includes reference to
cross-sections J-J and P-P. As can be appreciated from FIGS. 49-51,
the lip 3547 can include a blocking lip 4910 in the center of the
shelf (or in some other location aligned with the locking feature
3525) but the blocking lip may not be required in other locations,
thus allowing (but not requiring) a reduction in the amount of
material used to make the support surface 3412.
FIGS. 52-54 illustrate details one embodiment of the locking
feature 3525. FIG. 52 shows the hinge plate 5215 both in a
partially exploded view and in an installed position. As depicted,
the hinge plate 5215 is mounted to hinge base plate 5225 by a
fastener 5230 that couples to a nut 5240. A biasing element 5235
directs the hinge plate 5215 toward a first or locked position.
Thus, hinge plate 5215a is a locked position and hinge plate 5215b
is an open position. As can be appreciated, however, numerous other
methods of mounting the hinge plate 5215 to the hinge base plate
5235 are possible.
FIGS. 54-59 illustrate additional details regarding embodiments of
the locking feature 3525, shelf support 3430 and other potential
elements of the box shelf 3405. In addition, FIG. 59 depicts
section H-H, from which FIG. 46 is taken. It should be noted that
any dimensional references are merely exemplary and are not
intended to reflect any limitations to the present invention unless
otherwise noted.
FIGS. 60-73 illustrate another aspect of the invention, namely a
low profile shelf system that improves the merchandising of
product. The low profile shelf system improves product
merchandising by creating more spacing between shelves to
accommodate larger product. In some stores, there are large product
sections wherein product management systems, such as those
described above, are not the most ideal systems to use because
there is not sufficient height (i.e., spacing) between shelves to
add such a system. In these instances, the product is merchandised
so tightly between shelves that adding a product management system,
such as those described above, raises the product such that it may
interfere with the shelf above. Occasionally, retailers are not
willing to adjust the shelves to incorporate a product management
system because such shelf adjustments typically must be done in
fixed increments (e.g., one inch increments), and moving shelves by
such increments can sometimes lead to the undesirable eliminating
of a shelf, such as the top shelf.
As depicted in FIGS. 60-73, the invention solves this problem by
using low-profile shelf supports 600. Each low-profile shelf
support 600 may define a back portion 602 and a front portion 604.
The back portion 602 may include a fastening plate 606 attached
thereto (FIG. 72), each fastening plate 606 having at least one
hook formation 610 that can be inserted into a slotted upright (not
shown). The fastening plate 606 may be fastened to the shelf
support through the use of fasteners 623. Alternatively, the back
portion 602 may form the at least one hook formation 610 (FIG. 60).
As shown in FIG. 60, the back portion 602 of the shelf support 600
may have a thickness that is substantially greater than the
thickness of the front portion, resulting in the front portion 604
having a significantly lower profile than the back portion of the
shelf support 600. This reduced profile of the front portion
results in greater clearance between product shelves to accommodate
larger product and/or the installation of the product management
systems described herein. In one embodiment, the thickness of the
back portion 602 may be 75% greater than the thickness of the front
portion 604. Other thicknesses of the front and back portions are
possible to create the desired low profile shelf support
configuration.
Referring to FIGS. 61 and 73, the shelf supports 600 may be
positioned beneath and secured to a shelf 614. A pusher system 616
may be mounted to the shelf 614. The pusher system may include a
pusher track 618 and a pusher 620. Any of the pusher systems
described herein may be used with the low profile shelf supports
600. Additionally, a product divider 625 may be mounted to the
shelf 614 or made part of the pusher system 616, as described
herein.
Referring to FIGS. 60, 63 and 64, a pivotable barrier 640 and a
front product retaining wall 642 may be mounted to a front rail
644, which may be mounted to the front of the shelf 614. The front
rail 644 may include one or more channels 645 for receiving one or
more retaining walls 642 or signage identifying the products being
merchandised. The front rail 644 may also be configured to receive
the pusher system 610 in either a slidable or non-slidable manner.
The barrier 640 may be configured similar to the barriers described
herein. Similarly, the retaining wall 642 may be configured similar
to the retaining walls also described herein.
Referring to FIGS. 62-65, an alert device 650 may be mounted to the
shelf 614 at or near the back portion 602. Similar to alert device
142, the alert device 650 may be used to detect when the pivotable
barrier 640 is moved or opened and send an appropriate alert
signal, as illustrated above. With this embodiment, the alert
device 650 may include a switch 652 that is activated by a linkage
654 that operatively contacts the pivotable barrier 640 (FIG. 64).
The linkage 654 may be a metal or plastic rod or flat stock of a
suitable material. With this embodiment, the barrier 640 may
include a cam-shaped end 641 mountable to the front rail 644, as
shown in FIG. 64, the cam-shaped end 641 configured to contact and
cause movement of the linkage 654 when the barrier 640 pivots. The
linkage 654 in turn may contact the switch 652 of the alert device
650 (as shown in FIG. 65) to activate the alert device 650, which
will send or emit the desired alert signal. A linkage cover 662 may
be mounted over the linkage 654 to cover and protect the linkage
654.
Referring to FIGS. 66-69, a security box-shelf 670 may be secured
to the low-profile shelf support 600 (or to the vertical uprights)
and over the pusher system 610. The box-shelf 670 may be provided
as a complete unit that provides theft-prevention benefits as
discussed above and may be configured to be self-contained so as to
eliminate the need for a support shelf. The box-shelf 670 may
include a top 672 that may be made of clear material to permit
products to be seen in the box-shelf 670. The box-shelf 670 may
also include two sides 674 and a back wall 676 that may be joined
together to form the box-shelf 670. A front security rail 678 may
be mounted to the top 672 (as shown in FIG. 69). The security rail
678 may also be configured to receive a pivotable barrier 640. The
barrier 640 may be similar to the barriers described above and may
be opened to permit access to the products merchandised within the
box-shelf 670. An alert device may also be operatively coupled to
the barrier 640.
Referring to FIGS. 70-71, optional signage 690 may be mounted to
the shelf 614 that is supported by the low profile shelf supports
600. One or more signage supports 692 may be used to support the
signage 690. The supports may be mounted to one or more horizontal
mounting brackets 694 for added stability of the signage 690.
Referring to FIGS. 72-73, it should be understood that multiple low
profile shelf supports 600 may be positioned underneath the shelf
614, depending on the size and configuration of the shelf. It
should further be understood that multiple pusher systems 616 and
dividers 625 may be positioned on the shelf 614 to merchandise
multiple rows of product on the shelf.
FIGS. 79-91 illustrate another aspect of the invention, namely a
merchandise system 810. Similar to the other embodiments, the
merchandise system 810 improves product merchandising by limiting
the number and the frequency with which product can be removed
from, for example, a merchandising shelf by using various methods
such as slowing the rate at which product can be pushed towards the
front edge of a merchandising shelf.
Referring to FIGS. 79-84, in an exemplary embodiment, merchandise
system 810 includes a base 812. The base 812 defines a generally
flat planar surface that may be configured to engage with or mount
onto any known shelf used in a store, as well as any other
merchandise system 810, and in any known mounting configuration and
orientation. The base 812 defines a front edge 826, a back edge
828, a first side edge 820, a second side edge 822, and one or more
tracks 814. As is further illustrated, a housing 850 can be mounted
to the base 812 in any known mounting configuration and
orientation. The housing 850 defines a top wall 852, a first side
wall 854, a second side wall 856, and a front retaining wall 876.
First and second side walls 854 and 856, respectively, can be used
such that when more than one merchandise system 810 is placed
adjacent to another like merchandise system 810 on a shelf or
stacked on top of another like merchandise system 810, product
resting on the base 812 of each respective merchandise system 810
remains separated or divided. In an embodiment, one merchandise
system 810 can be stacked on top of another merchandise system 810
without need of a separate shelf between the two merchandise
systems.
In an exemplary embodiment, front retaining wall 876 is mounted at
an angle, (for example, approximately a 45.degree. angle) relative
to the base 812 and extends from the second side edge 822 to first
side edge 820 towards the front edge 826. Angles other than
approximately 45.degree. are possible, including angles of
approximately 15.degree., 30.degree., 60.degree. and 75.degree., to
name a few. Front retaining wall 876 can define a channel 888
located proximate the base 812. Channel 888 further can define a
detent 886. Front retaining wall 876 and first side wall 854 define
an opening 878 through which, as will be explained below, product
can be removed by a customer or employee. In an embodiment, front
retaining wall 876 does not fully extend from the second side edge
822 to first side edge 820. A lever 880 can be operatively coupled
to the merchandise system 810 for ejecting product through the
opening 878. In an exemplary embodiment, lever 880 is slidably
mounted within the channel 888. The lever 880 can include a lever
biasing element 882 and a lever hook 884 adapted to move product.
As illustrated, lever biasing element 882 can be a coil spring
positioned between lever hook 884 and detent 886. The one or more
tracks 814 extend along the base 812 from the back edge 828 to the
front retaining wall 876. As shown, a track 814 can be used with a
pusher 816. It should be understood that more or less than two
tracks could be used with the invention, depending on the
particular application. The base 812 further defines a rack
aperture 988 for use with a rack 986 as will be discussed
below.
Referring to FIGS. 88 and 89, in an exemplary embodiment, the one
or more tracks 814 extend longitudinally along the length of the
base 812 and define at least one rail 830 and an elongated aperture
or channel 832 in the base 812. The aperture 832 and rail 830 are
sized and shaped to receive and mount a mating element of the
pusher 816. The pusher 816 is slidably mounted to the base 812 such
that the pusher 816 does not lift out of the track 814. The present
invention contemplates the use of other shapes of rails and
apertures to mount the pusher 816 to the base 812. Other pusher
mounting techniques are possible with the invention.
The pusher 816 also contains at least one pusher urging element 860
used to urge the pusher 816 toward the front of the shelf. The
pusher urging element 860 may be any biasing element including,
without limitation, a flat coil spring. The present invention may
use one or more pusher urging elements 860 to urge the pusher 816
depending on the desired application. The pusher urging element 860
may be mounted to the pusher 816 and the base 812 using any known
mounting technique. In the exemplary embodiment, one end of the
pusher urging element 860 is secured to the base 812 near the front
edge 826 of the base 812, and the opposing end of the pusher urging
element 860 is positioned behind the pusher 816 to urge the pusher
816 toward the front of the shelf. Further, pusher 816 includes an
angled pusher face 892. In an exemplary embodiment, angled pusher
face 892 is positioned such that its angle relative to the base 812
corresponds to the angle of front retaining wall 876. It should be
understood, however, that angled pusher face 892 can be positioned
at other angles and can have various dimensions and shapes.
Referring to an embodiment of the invention in FIGS. 85 and 86,
pusher 816 will urge the product toward the front retaining wall
876. When product is positioned between the front retaining wall
876 and pusher 816, only a single product can be accessed by
customers or employees because the opening 878 is equal in
dimension to less than the width of two products. In an embodiment,
the opening 878 is no more than approximately 50% wider that the
width of a single product. In another embodiment the opening 878 is
roughly the width of a single product yet wide enough to allow a
single product to pass through the opening 878. The positioning and
dimensions of opening 878, in combination with the positive
pressure the pusher 816 places on product against the front
retaining wall 876, hampers a customer or employee's ability to
remove products using solely digits (i.e., fingers) or digital
force. To facilitate the removal of a single product, when product
is positioned between the front retaining wall 876 and pusher 816,
a force can be applied to lever 880 such that lever 880 can be
slidably translated. As lever 880 is slidably translated, lever
hook 884 engages the most forward positioned product. When the
customer or employee slidably translates lever 880 to a fully
extended position, the single product is partially ejected from the
housing 850 and can be easily removed by the customer or employee.
Further, when lever 880 is in a fully extended position, lever
biasing element 882 is compressed between lever hook 884 and detent
886. Accordingly, when a customer or employee stops applying force
to the lever 880, lever biasing element 882 biases lever 880 back
into its original position.
In the embodiment described below, when customers or employees
reach and pull out the product available to them, the pusher 816 is
slowly urged toward the front retaining wall 876 by pusher urging
element 860 and, after a pre-determined period of time, a single
product once again is positively pressured between the pusher 816
and the front retaining wall 876 such that the product is adjacent
opening 878. An attempt by a customer or employee to remove or urge
the next product forward after a first product is removed is
hampered because the product is positioned at an angle
corresponding to angled pusher face 892 and thus, if a customer or
employee attempts to tip the product forward, the product will be
biased in a standing position by the second side wall 856. The
speed at which the pusher moves can be controlled by various
devices including, without limitation, a dampened gear assembly
discussed below. By providing a merchandise system that urges
product forward at a slow rate of speed, a customer or employee can
be inhibited from removing more than one product at a time and is
assisted in removing product only once every pre-determined amount
of time.
In an embodiment of the invention, to provide the desired slow rate
of speed for the pusher 816, an exemplary dampened gear assembly
980 may be mounted to the pusher 816. The dampened gear assembly
980 may include a gear 982 and a gear housing 984 that can be
filled with any dampening fluid known in the art. A portion of gear
982 is housed within gear housing 984. A rack 986 can be mounted to
rack aperture 988. The rack 986 defines a plurality of teeth 990.
Gear 982 of gear assembly 980 is adapted to engage the plurality of
teeth 990 of rack 986. In operation, when product is removed from
the base 812, and pusher 816 is urged forward by pusher urging
element 860, gear assembly 980 acts to slow the rate at which
pusher 816 is urged forward. This can be accomplished because
rotation of gear 982 is regulated by the dampening fluid located in
gear housing 984 which acts to resist movement of the gear 982
within gear housing 984. Again, other dampening techniques may be
used with the present invention to affect the desired slow rate of
movement of the pusher toward the front of the shelf.
In an embodiment, front retaining wall 876 is made of a clear or
transparent material that allows for the product to be viewed
through front retaining wall 876. In an embodiment, front retaining
wall 876 enables advertisements or marketing materials to be placed
on front retaining wall 876. Base 812 also can include a display
area 999 (see FIG. 79) for advertising or marketing material as
well as product information such as product pricing information.
Because display area 999 can include product information,
merchandise system 810 can be, as was discussed above, stacked on
top of another like merchandise system 810 without the use of
shelves.
In an embodiment, a locking device (not shown) can be used to
prevent the removal of product. Such locking device may include a
rotatable barrier, a door, or a locking clip. The locking device,
for instance, could prevent product from fitting through opening
878 such that when the merchandise system 810 is not in use,
neither employees nor customers can access the product.
It should be understood that the merchandise system 810 can be
altered such that first side wall 854 and second side wall 856 are
reversed and thus, opening 878 is on the opposite side. As can be
understood by one in the art, in this embodiment, the angled pusher
face 892, front retaining wall 876, and the lever 880, among other
things, are also reversed.
Referring to FIGS. 90 and 91, in another embodiment, a housing 950
defines a top wall 952, a first side wall 954, and an opposing
second side wall. A front edge of the base 812 is configured to
mount to or on a rail 924 in any known manner. As discussed above,
the base 812 may include a rack and rack aperture wherein the rack
defines a plurality of teeth 990 (as shown in FIGS. 90 and 91) such
that a gear of a gear assembly can be adapted to engage the
plurality of teeth 990. The rail 924 includes a front retaining
wall 976 to retain product that is pushed toward the rail. Front
retaining wall 976 and housing 950 define an opening 978 that is
roughly equal to the width of a single product. The pusher 916 will
urge the product toward the rail 924. When one merchandise system
810 is placed adjacent to another like merchandise system 810 on a
shelf, product can only be removed through the top portion 979 of
the opening 978. Accordingly, when product is positioned between
the front retaining wall 976 and pusher 916, only a single product
can be accessed by customers or employees. It will be further
understood that a device, such as a lever trigger (not shown), may
be used to facilitate a customer or employee to partially or fully
eject product through the top portion 979 of the opening 978.
FIGS. 92A-101C illustrate another aspect of the invention, namely a
merchandise system 1010. Similar to the other embodiments, the
merchandise system 1010 improves product merchandising by limiting
the number and the frequency with which product can be removed
from, for example, a merchandising shelf by using various methods
such as an electronic lock-out mechanism which locks the
merchandising shelf and multiple shelves when too many products are
removed at one time. The merchandise system 1010 may generally
include a base 1012 and housing 1050, a door assembly or door 1020,
a locking assembly, and an electronic control unit 1080.
Referring to FIG. 92A, in an exemplary embodiment, merchandise
system 1010 includes a base 1012. The base 1012 defines a generally
flat planar surface that may be configured to engage with or mount
onto any known shelf used in a store, as well as any other
merchandise system 1010, and in any known mounting configuration
and orientation. The base 1012 defines a front edge 1016, a back
edge 1017, a first side edge 1018, a second side edge 1019, and one
or more tracks 1014. Additionally, the base 1012 may include a
ratchet shaft slot 1015. The ratchet shaft slot 1015 may be
configured to accept the ratchet shaft 1066 as will be described
below. The ratchet shaft slot 1015 may extend longitudinally along
the length of the base 1012. The ratchet shaft slot 1015 is sized
and shaped to receive and mount the ratchet shaft 1066.
As is further illustrated in FIG. 92A, a housing 1050 can be
mounted to the base 1012 in any known mounting configuration and
orientation. The housing 1050 defines a top wall 1052, a first side
wall 1054, and a second side wall 1056. The housing 1050 may also
include a rear retaining wall (not shown in the figures). The first
and second side walls 1054 and 1056, respectively, can be used such
that when more than one merchandise system 1010 is placed adjacent
to another like merchandise system 1010 on a shelf or stacked on
top of another like merchandise system 1010, product resting on the
base 1012 of each respective merchandise system 1010 remains
separated or divided. In an embodiment, one merchandise system 1010
can be stacked on top of another merchandise system 1010 without
need of a separate shelf between the two merchandise systems.
As shown in FIG. 92A, the one or more tracks 1014 may extend along
the base 1012 from the back edge 1028 to the door 1020. As shown, a
track 1014 can be used with a pusher 1040. It should be understood
that more or less than two tracks could be used with the invention,
depending on the particular application.
As illustrated in FIG. 92A, the one or more tracks 1014 extend
longitudinally along the length of the base 1012 and may define at
least one rail and/or an elongated aperture or channel in the base
1012. The track is sized and shaped to receive and mount a mating
element of the pusher 1040. The pusher 1040 may be slidably mounted
to the base 1012 such that the pusher 1040 does not lift out of the
track 1014. The present invention contemplates the use of other
tracks to mount the pusher 1040 to the base 1012. Other pusher
mounting techniques are possible with the invention.
The pusher 1040 also contains at least one pusher urging element
1044 used to urge the pusher 1040 toward the front of the shelf.
The pusher urging element 1044 may be any biasing element
including, without limitation, a flat coil spring or a spiral
torsion spring. The present invention may use one or more pusher
urging elements 1044 to urge the pusher 1040 depending on the
desired application. The pusher urging element 1044 may be mounted
to the pusher 1040 and the base 1012 using any known mounting
technique. In the exemplary embodiment, one end of the pusher
urging element 1044 is secured to the base 1012 near the front edge
1016 of the base 1012, and the opposing end of the pusher urging
element 1044 is positioned behind the pusher 1040 to urge the
pusher 1040 toward the front of the door 1020.
In an exemplary embodiment, the merchandise system 1010 also
includes a product door assembly. The door assembly may include a
door 1020, a door pin 1030, a door spring 1032, a door stiffener
1034, and a door spacer 1036. The door 1020 may be designed to
rotate outward while holding only one product and allow the
consumer to remove only one product from the merchandise system
1010. The door 1020 may be in a closed position or an open
position. The operation of the door 1020 will be explained in more
detail below.
The door 1020, as illustrated in FIG. 92A may include a handle
1022. The handle 1022 as shown in FIG. 92A is located on the upper
section of the door 1020, such that the door 1020 can be opened
from the top of the door 1020. The handle 1022 can be other
configurations that allow a consumer to pull open the door 1020
from the upper section of the door 1020.
The door 1020, as illustrated in FIG. 92A may also include a first
roller 1024 and a second roller 1026. The first roller 1024 may be
engaged with an upper slot 1055 located on the first side wall 1054
of the housing 1050. The second roller 1026 may be engaged with a
lower slot 1057 located on the first side wall 1054 of the housing
1050. Without departing from this invention, the slots 1055 1057
and rollers 1024 1026 may be located on either side of the housing
1050 and the door 1020 respectively. Additionally, without
departing from this invention, there may be a pair of upper slots
1055, with one slot located on the first side wall 1054 and a
second slot located on the second side wall 1056; a pair of lower
slots 1057, with one slot located on the first side wall 1054 and a
second slot located on the second slide wall 1056; and a pair of
first rollers 1024 and a pair of second rollers 1026 that may
engage the corresponding slots on each of the first and second side
walls 1054 1056. The rollers 1024 and 1026 are configured to slide
from one end of its corresponding slot 1055 1057 to the other end
of the corresponding slot 1055 1057 during the operation of the
door 1020. The specific operation of the door 1020 will be
described more below.
The door 1020 may also include an opening 1028. The opening 1028
may be located on the consumer side of the door 1020 and may allow
the consumer or user to press or touch the product without opening
the door 1020. As will be described further below, the opening 1028
can be used during the restocking process.
The door assembly may also include a door pin 1030 and a door
spring 1032, as illustrated in FIGS. 92A and 93. The door pin 1030
may be cylindrical in shape and may be any suitable material, such
as plastic or metal. The door spring 1032, as shown in FIG. 92A, is
a spiral torsion spring or a flat coil spring that includes a first
end or free end and a second end. The door spring 1032 may be other
suitable spring types without departing from this invention. The
door pin 1030 and the door spring 1032 engage both the door 1020
and the base 1012 to attach the door 1020 to the base 1012. The
door pin 1030 may be located at the base or bottom of the door
1020. The first end or free end of the door spring 1032 may engage
the door pin 1030 at the base or bottom of the door 1020. The
second end of the door spring 1032 may engage a portion of the
locking mechanism of the merchandising system 1010, such as a
locking gear 1062 as will be described below. As the door 1020 is
opened by providing downward and outward pressure on the handle
1022, the door spring 1032 is pulled away from the locking gear
1062, thereby uncoiling the door spring 1032 and providing a
closing bias to the door 1020. When pressure is released from the
handle 1022, the bias from the door spring 1032 causes the door
1020 to return to the closed position. The operation of the door
1020 with the door spring 1032 will be described more below.
Additionally, the door assembly may include a door stiffener 1034
as shown in FIG. 92A. The door stiffener 1034 may be located at the
bottom of the door 1020. The door stiffener 1034 may provide
additional support, especially to the bottom of the door 1020 as
the door 1020 is rotated from the closed position to the open
position.
Additionally, as illustrated in FIGS. 92A and 93, the door assembly
may include a door spacer 1036. The door spacer 1036 may be
installed against the back side of the door 1020 to create a slot
for the product when the door 1020 is opened. The door spacer 1036
may be required so that the door 1020 and merchandise system 1010
can accommodate different size packages of product. For example, a
wide door spacer 1036 may be installed to the door 1020 for smaller
or thinner packages and a thin or even no door spacer 1036 may be
installed to the door 1020 for larger or thicker packages.
Depending on the size and shape of the package, the door spacer
1036 may take on various different shapes to accommodate the
different sizes and shapes of the packages.
In an embodiment, the door 1020, and specifically the front of the
door 1020, is made of a clear or transparent material that allows
for the product to be viewed through the door 1020. Additionally,
the door 1020 may enable advertisements or marketing materials to
be placed on the front of the door 1020. Additionally, the base
1012 can include a display area for advertising or marketing
material as well as product information such as product pricing
information. Because the display area can include product
information, merchandise system 1010 can be, as discussed above,
stacked on top of another merchandise system 1010 without the use
of shelves. Additionally, instead of using a door 1020 as described
above, the merchandising system may include a button-release system
that includes a button to help access or dispense product. For
example, when the button is pressed, the product may be released by
the use of a pusher or a slow-moving pusher to discharge the
product at a bottom opening for the customer to recover.
The merchandise system 1010 as illustrated in FIGS. 92A, 98A, and
98B may also include a locking assembly. The locking assembly may
generally include a locking bar 1060, a locking gear 1062, a
locking latch 1064, a ratchet shaft 1066, and a pusher lock
1068.
As illustrated in FIGS. 92A, 98A, and 98B, the locking bar 1060 is
an elongated bar that extends approximately the lateral length of
the base 1012. The locking bar 1060 may be located along the bottom
or underneath the base 1012. As illustrated in FIG. 92A, the base
1012 includes an opening located along the first side 1018 and a
second opening located along the second side 1019 (not shown). The
locking bar 1060 may fit within this opening. Additionally, the
locking bar 1060 may include a locking member 1061 located on the
side of the locking bar 1060 as illustrated in FIG. 92A. The
locking member 1061 may be configured to engage the locking latch
1064 during locking operations as will be described further below.
Additionally, the locking bar may include a slot 1063. The slot
1063 may be configured to engage a locking end 1067 of the ratchet
shaft 1066 during locking operations as will be described further
below. The locking bar 1060 may be made of any suitable material,
such as metal or plastic. Additionally, the locking bar 1060 may be
configured to be attached to an adjacent locking bar 1060 when
multiple merchandise systems 1010 are configured together
adjacently.
As illustrated in FIGS. 92A, 98A, and 98B, the locking mechanism
also includes the locking gear 1062. The locking gear 1062 may
include a set of gear teeth on one end and a rounded surface on the
other end. The gear teeth of the locking gear 1062 may be
configured to engage with the locking latch 1064 during locking
operations as will be described further below. Additionally, the
door spring 1032 may be located on the rounded surface end to
provide the bias for the door to open and close. The door opening
operation will be described further below. The locking gear 1062
may be made of any suitable material, such as metal or plastic.
As illustrated in FIGS. 92A, 98A, and 98B, the locking mechanism
also includes the locking latch 1064. The locking latch 1064 may be
configured to engage with the locking bar 1060, and specifically
the slot 1063 on the locking bar 1060. The locking latch 1064 may
also be configured to simultaneously engage with the locking gear
1062. The locking latch 1064 may engage both the locking bar 1060
and the locking gear 1062 during locking operations as will be
described further below. The locking latch 1064 may be made of any
suitable material, such as metal or plastic.
As illustrated in FIG. 92A, the locking mechanism also includes the
ratchet shaft 1066. The ratchet shaft 1066 is sized and shaped to
fit within the ratchet shaft slot 1015 in the base 1012. The
ratchet shaft 1066 includes one side with a plurality of teeth
1069. The other sides of the ratchet shaft 1066 may be smooth. The
ratchet shaft 1066 may also include a locking end 1067. The locking
end 1067 may be located at the approximately location of the
locking bar 1060, such that the locking end 1067 engages the
locking bar 1060 and specifically the locking slot 1063 on the
locking bar 1060 during locking operations as will be described
below. Additionally, the plurality of teeth 1069 are configured to
engage the end of the pusher lock 1068 during locking operations as
will be described below. The ratchet shaft 1066 may be made of any
suitable material, such as metal or plastic.
As illustrated in FIG. 92A, the locking mechanism also includes the
pusher lock 1068. The pusher lock 1068 may be connected to or
engaged with the pusher 1040. The pusher lock 1068 may have a
pointed end opposite the side that is engaged with the pusher 1040.
The pointed end of the pusher lock 1068 may be configured to engage
the plurality of teeth 1069 on the ratchet shaft 1066 during
locking operations as will be described below. The pusher lock 1068
may be made of any suitable material, such as metal or plastic.
The operation of the merchandise system 1010 includes both locking
and door opening and these operations can be done simultaneously.
As illustrated in FIG. 93, the merchandise system 1010 is shown in
an unlocked condition with the door 1020 closed. In this
configuration, the door 1020 is closed and the door spring 1032 is
not extended or uncoiled. The locking bar 1060 is not extended. The
locking latch 1064 is not engaged with the locking gear 1062. The
ratchet shaft 1066 is rotated such that one of the smooth sides
faces upward toward the pusher lock 1068. As annotated as reference
letter "A" in FIG. 93, when the ratchet shaft 1066 is in the
position as shown, the pointed end of the pusher lock 1068 rests on
the smooth side of the ratchet shaft 1066. This allows the pusher
1040 to move freely both forward and backward. As further annotated
as reference letter "B" in FIG. 93, when the locking latch 1064 is
in the position shown, the locking gear 1062 can rotate freely,
thereby allowing the door spring 1032 to uncoil and the door 1020
to swing open when pressure is applied to the door handle 1022.
FIG. 94 illustrates a similar configuration that includes product
with the merchandise system 1010 in an unlocked condition with the
door 1020 closed.
FIG. 95 illustrates a configuration with the merchandise system
1010 in an unlocked condition with the door 1020 open. In this
configuration, the door 1020 is open with the door spring 1032
extended and uncoiled. The locking bar 1060 is not extended. The
locking latch 1064 is not engaged with the locking gear 1062. The
ratchet shaft 1066 is rotated such that one of the smooth sides
faces upward toward the pusher lock 1068. As annotated as reference
letter "B" in FIG. 93, when the locking latch 1064 is in the
position shown, the locking gear 1062 can rotate freely, thereby
allowing the door spring 1032 to uncoil and the door 1020 to swing
open when pressure is applied to the door handle 1022.
FIG. 96 illustrates a configuration with the merchandise system
1010 in a locked condition with the door 1020 closed. In this
configuration, the door is closed with the door spring 1032 not
extended and not uncoiled. The locking bar 1060 is extended. When
the locking bar 1066 shift positions, the locking bar 1066 forces
the locking latch 1064 to engage the locking gear 1062 and the
locking bar 1066 rotates the ratchet shaft 1066. The locking latch
1064 is engaged with the locking gear 1062. The ratchet shaft 1066
is rotated such that the side with the plurality of teeth 1069
faces upward towards the pusher lock 1068, thereby engaging the
pusher lock 1068 with one of the plurality of teeth 1069 on the
ratchet shaft 1066. As annotated as reference letter "A" in FIG.
96, when the ratchet shaft 1066 rotates into the position shown,
the pointed end of the pusher lock 1068 falls into one of the
plurality of teeth 1069 on the ratchet shaft 1066, thereby locking
the pusher paddle 1040 at the current position. Additionally, as
annotated as reference letter "B" in FIG. 96, when the locking
latch 1064 is in the position shown, the locking latch 1064 engages
the gear teeth on the locking gear 1062. The locking gear 1062
cannot rotate clockwise and thus the door spring 1032 cannot
uncoil. This locks the door 1020 from swinging open.
FIG. 97 illustrates a configuration with the merchandise system
1010 in a locked condition with the door 1020 open. In this
configuration, the door is open with the door spring 1032 extended
and uncoiled. As was previously described above for FIG. 96, when
the locking bar 1066 shift positions, the locking bar 1066 forces
the locking latch 1064 to engage the locking gear 1062 and the
locking bar 1066 rotates the ratchet shaft 1066. The locking latch
1064 is engaged with the locking gear 1062. The ratchet shaft 1066
is rotated such that the side with the plurality of teeth 1069
faces upward towards the pusher lock 1068, thereby engaging the
pusher lock 1068 with one of the plurality of teeth 1069 on the
ratchet shaft 1066. As annotated as reference letter "B" in FIG.
97, when the locking latch 1064 is in the position shown, the
locking latch 1064 engages the gear teeth on the locking gear 1062.
The locking gear 1062 cannot rotate clockwise and thus the door
spring 1032 cannot uncoil. This locks the door 1020 from swinging
open. However, the locking gear 1062 can ramp over the locking
latch 1064 in a counter clockwise motion, thus allowing the door
spring 1032 to recoil and the door 1020 to close.
FIG. 98A illustrates a bottom view of the merchandise system 1010
in an unlocked condition. As is illustrated in FIG. 98A, similar to
the description above for FIG. 93, the locking bar 1060 is not
extended. Because the locking bar 1060 is not extended, the slot
1063 on the locking bar 1060 presses against the locking end 1067
of the ratchet shaft 1066 and keeps the ratchet shaft 1066 in the
position with the pusher lock 1068 resting on the smooth side of
the ratchet shaft 1066. Additionally, because the locking bar 1060
is not extended, the locking member 1061 is not engaged with the
locking latch 1064, thereby allowing the locking gear 1062 to
rotate freely and allow the door spring 1032 to uncoil and the door
1020 to swing open.
FIG. 98B illustrates a bottom view of the merchandise system 1010
in a locked condition. As is illustrated in FIG. 98B, similar to
the description above for FIG. 96, the locking bar 1060 is
extended. When the locking bar 1060 extends, the slot 1063 on the
locking bar 1060 presses against the locking end 1067 of the
ratchet shaft 1066, thereby rotating the ratchet shaft 1066 such
that the side with the plurality of teeth 1069 faces upward and
engages the pusher lock 1068. Additionally, when the locking bar
1060 extends, the locking member 1061 engages the locking latch
1064, thereby moving the locking latch 1064 to engage with the
locking gear 1062 and the gear teeth. The locking gear 1062 cannot
rotate clockwise, and thus the door spring 1032 cannot uncoil. This
locks the door 1020 from swinging open.
FIG. 99 illustrates another feature of the merchandise system 1010,
namely the operation of the door 1020. As is illustrated in FIG.
99, the door includes a first roller 1024 and a second roller 1026.
The first roller 1024 may slidably engage with an upper slot 1055
in the housing 1050. The second roller 1026 may slidably engage
with a lower slot 1057 in the housing 1050. During the door
operation, through the design of the first roller 1024, the second
roller 1026, the upper slot 1055, and the lower slot 1057, the back
end and the floor of the door 1020 keeps the next product behind
the door from sliding forward. The door 1020 continually contacts
the product along the same vertical plane throughout the door's
motion. As is shown in FIG. 99, through reference letters "A"
through "E", the door operation is represented from the closed
position to the open position, with "A" representing the closed
position and "E" representing the open position. As illustrated by
"A", the first roller 1024 is positioned in the lower portion of
the slot 1055, the second roller is positioned in the lower portion
of the slot 1057 and the door handle 1022 is closed. As the door
1020 moves to position "B", as can been seen in FIG. 99, the first
roller 1024 moves a longer distance along the upper slot 1055 than
does the second roller 1026 along the lower slot 1057. As the door
1020 moves to position "C", the first roller 1024 has almost moved
to the end of the upper slot 1055, while the second roller 1026 has
not moved much along the lower slot 1057. As the door 1020 moves to
position "D", the second roller moves a longer distance along the
lower slot 1057, while the first roller 1024 moves a smaller
distance along the upper slot 1055. As the door 1020 moves to
position "E", the second roller 1026 again moves a longer distance
along the lower slot 1057 to the final upper position in the lower
slot 1057 and the first roller 1024 moves a small amount into the
final upper position in the upper slot 1055. The design and shape
of the upper slot 1055 and the lower slot 1057 combined together
with the geometry of the door 1020 allow the door to contact the
product on the same vertical plane throughout the motion of the
door 1020, thereby keeping the next product behind the door from
sliding forward. Once the product is removed from the door 1020 by
the consumer, the pusher 1040 and pusher spring 1044 will push the
next product into the door 1020 when the door 1020 returns to the
closed position, thereby reloading the door 1020 with product.
As was described above, more than one merchandise system 1010 may
be placed adjacent to other like merchandise systems 1010 on a
shelf. Additionally, the merchandise system 1010 may include an
electronic control unit 1080 to control the locking operations of
all merchandise systems linked together. As shown in FIG. 100,
multiple merchandise systems 1010 may be linked together.
Additionally, an electronic control unit 1080 may be located at the
end of the linked merchandise systems 1010. The electronic control
unit 1080 may be used to improve product merchandising by limiting
the number and the frequency with which product can be removed from
the merchandise systems 1010 by locking and/or alarming the
merchandise systems 1010 when too many products are removed at one
time.
For the present embodiment described above in FIGS. 92A through 99,
the electronic control unit may include a mechanical member (not
shown) linked to the locking bars 1060 of the adjacent merchandise
systems 1010. This mechanical member may be activated to move based
on the parameters set in the electronic control unit 1080, thereby
extending or moving the linked locking bars 1060 of the merchandise
systems 1010. When the linked locking bars 1060 extend or move, the
locking bars 1060 lock the doors 1020 and the pushers 1040 on the
merchandise systems 1010 as described above.
A number of parameters may be included or loaded into the
electronic control unit 1080 to control the flow of product by
alarming and/or locking the merchandise systems 1010 without
departing from this invention. One such parameter may be the
electronic control unit 1080 locking the merchandise systems after
a certain number of consecutive door openings, such as three door
openings. For example, if a consumer attempts to open any three
doors consecutively on the merchandise system 1010, the electronic
control unit 1080 may then alarm and send a signal to the
mechanical member, thereby extending and moving the locking bars
1060 and locking the doors 1020. This parameter may be changed
based on the needs of the store or consumers and products, such as
after two times, four times, five times, or more. Additionally, the
definition of "consecutive" may also be varied within the
electronic control unit 1080. For example, "consecutive" may mean
three door openings within a 10-minute time period, or within a
5-minute time period. Additionally, "consecutive" could mean that
time between individual or multiple door openings must be greater
than two minutes, or greater than one minute, or greater than some
other time variable. Multiple variations of number of openings and
time variables may be used for the electronic control unit 1080
without departing from this invention.
Additionally, when the electronic control unit 1080 is triggered to
lock or alarm, the electronic control unit 1080 may also be
configured to send a signal to an alarm system or messaging system.
For example, when the electronic control unit 1080 is triggered to
lock or alarm, the electronic control unit 1080 may send a signal
to an intercom system in a store that signals the store personnel
to come to the merchandise system 1010 to either reset the system
or to deal with a possible theft situation. Additionally, without
departing from the invention, the electronic control unit 1080 can
send an electronic signal to many other devices or systems,
including, but not limited to, office phones, cell phones, cash
registers, office computers, emails, etc. In addition to sending an
electronic signal, the electronic control unit 1080 may light an
alarm light 1082, as illustrated in FIG. 100.
The electronic control unit 1080 may also include a key system 1081
as illustrated in FIG. 100. The key system 1081 may be utilized to
reset an alarm or locked situation. Additionally, the key system
1081 may be utilized to override the locking system if a key is
left in the key system 1081. This override capability may be
advantageous to store personnel when stocking or restocking the
merchandise system 1010. The key system 1081 may be utilized for
various other functions without departing from this invention.
In an alternate embodiment the door assembly may also include a
door spacer bar 1090 as illustrated in FIGS. 101A, 101B, and 101C.
The door spacer bar 1090 may be used as an alternative to the door
spacer 1036 illustrated in FIGS. 92A and 93. The door spacer bar
1090 may include an attached end 1092 and a locking end 1094. The
attached end 1092 may be attached, pinned, or connected to the door
1020 near the front of the door 1020 such that the locking end 1094
of the door spacer bar 1090 can rotate away from the front of the
door 1020. The locking end 1094 may rotate away from the front of
the door 1020. The locking end 1094 may move and be locked into
place in one of a plurality of door spacer bar teeth 1096. The door
spacer bar teeth may be configured to lock the locking end 1094 of
the door spacer bar 1090 at the depth of the package. Additionally,
the door spacer bar 1090 may include a door spacer bar locking tab
1098 located to lock in the top of the rotational door spacer bar
as illustrated in FIGS. 101A, 101B, and 101C. The door spacer bar
locking tab 1098 may slide from an unlocked position to a locked
position, wherein the locking tab 1098 locks the attached end of
the door spacer bar 1090.
The door spacer bar 1090, like the door spacer 1036, may allow the
user to adjust the door for different depths of packages in the
display. FIG. 101A illustrates the door spacer bar 1090 not
adjusted for depth of packages. As illustrated in FIG. 101A, the
door spacer bar 1090 is flush against the front of the door 1020
and the locking tab 1098 is in the locked position, thereby locking
the door spacer bar 1090 in place. FIG. 101B illustrates the door
spacer bar 1090 being adjusted for a thinner depth of package. As
illustrated in FIG. 101B, the locking tab 1098 may slide to the
unlocked position and the door spacer bar 1090 is rotated away from
the front of the door 1020. FIG. 101C illustrates the door spacer
bar 1090 in the adjusted position and locked for a thinner depth of
a package. As illustrated in 101C, the locking tab 1098 is
positioned back in the locked position and the locking end 1094 of
the door spacer bar 1090 is seated in one of the plurality of door
spacer bar teeth 1096.
FIGS. 102 through 106E illustrate another embodiment of the present
invention. FIGS. 102 through 106E illustrate a merchandise system
2000 that improves product merchandising by limiting the number and
the frequency with which product can be removed from, for example,
a merchandising shelf by using various methods. The merchandise
system 2000 may generally include a base 2030 and housing 2050, and
a window or door 2010.
FIG. 102 illustrates a merchandise system 2000 that holds a number
of products, such as cans (for example, baby formula cans) in the
merchandise system that would be accessible to the customer one at
a time out of the front of the merchandise system 2000. Referring
to FIG. 102, in an exemplary embodiment, merchandise system 2000
includes a base 2030. The base 2030 defines a generally flat planar
surface that may be configured to engage with or mount onto any
known shelf used in a store, as well as any other merchandise
system 2000, and in any known mounting configuration and
orientation. The base 2030 defines a front edge 2032, a back edge
2034, a first side edge 2036, a second side edge 2038, and one or
more tracks 2033.
As is further illustrated in FIG. 102, a housing 2050 can be
mounted to the base 2030 in any known mounting configuration and
orientation. The housing 2050 defines a top wall 2052 and a pair of
side walls 2054. The housing 2050 may also include a rear retaining
wall (not shown in the figures).
As shown in FIG. 102 and FIGS. 103A-103D, the one or more tracks
2033 may extend along the base 2030 from the back edge 2034 to the
front edge 2032. FIG. 103A is a front view of the merchandise
system 2000. FIG. 103B is another isometric view of the merchandise
system 2000. FIGS. 103C and 103D are isometric views of the base
2030 and track 2033 of the of the merchandise system 2000. As
shown, a track 2033 can be used with a pusher 2040. It should be
understood that more or less than two tracks could be used with the
invention, depending on the particular application.
As illustrated in FIG. 102 and FIGS. 103A-D, the one or more tracks
2033 extend longitudinally along the length of the base 2030 and
may define at least one rail and/or an elongated aperture or
channel in the base 2030. The track 2033 is sized and shaped to
receive and mount a mating element of the pusher 2040. The pusher
2040 may be slidably mounted to the base 2030 such that the pusher
2040 does not lift out of the track 2033. The present invention
contemplates the use of other tracks to mount the pusher 2040 to
the base 2030. Other pusher mounting techniques are possible with
the invention.
The pusher 2040 also contains at least one pusher urging element
used to urge the pusher 2040 toward the front of the shelf. The
pusher urging element may be any biasing element including, without
limitation, a flat coil spring or a spiral torsion spring. The
present invention may use one or more pusher urging elements to
urge the pusher 2040 depending on the desired application. The
pusher urging element may be mounted to the pusher 2040 and the
base 2030 using any known mounting technique. In the exemplary
embodiment, one end of the pusher urging element is secured to the
base 2030 near the front edge 2032 of the base 2030, and the
opposing end of the pusher urging element positioned behind the
pusher 2040 to urge the pusher 2040 toward the front of the window
2010. Additionally, each merchandise system 2000 may also have a
slow moving pusher 2040 with a damper attached to the pusher 2040
to slow the movement of the product from the back to the front of
the merchandise system 2000. As illustrated in FIGS. 103A and 103B,
the merchandise system 2000 uses a track 2033 and a slow pusher
2040 so that after a product is removed, a slow moving pusher 2040
moves product forward. Additionally, as illustrated in FIGS. 103C
and 103D, the merchandise systems 2000 may be mounted to a surface
using fasteners through the floor of the merchandise system
2000.
The front of each merchandise system 2000 may include its own
individual security window or door 2010 attached to the merchandise
system 2000. The window may be rotatable from a closed position to
an open position about a hinge point adjacent to the top wall of
the housing, such that the window 2010 is rotatable in an upward or
vertical direction. The window 2010 may be made of a clear or
transparent material that allows for the product to be viewed
through the window 2010. The merchandise system 2000 may also
include a geometric aperture 2035 on the sidewalls 2034 towards the
front of the merchandise system 2000. The geometric aperture 2035
may make it difficult (even with the security window 2010 open) for
a consumer to get their fingers around enough of the next can or
product moving forward to pull it out of the merchandise system
2000 until the product has advanced forward as designed.
FIGS. 104A and 104B illustrate top-down isometric views of the
merchandise system 2000. As illustrated in FIGS. 104A and 104B, the
merchandise system 2000 may include an audio box 2016 included with
the merchandise system 2000. The audio box 2016 may be located on
the top wall 2052 of the housing 2050. The merchandise system 2000
with the audio box 2016 may be triggered in a similar fashion to
the other merchandise systems 2000 as described above.
Additionally, there may be another different type of merchandise
system 2000 wherein the audio box is not included on the top wall
2052 of the housing 2050.
Both types of merchandise systems 2000 may include a trigger axle
2012 located just behind the hinge point of the window 2010. The
trigger axle 2012 may also include a cantilever 2014. As
illustrated in FIGS. 104A and 104B, when the window 2010 is
rotated, it rotates the trigger axle 2012 and the cantilever 2014
attached to the trigger axle 2012. The cantilever 2014 may rotate
up against a switch trigger on the audio box 2016 to sound the
audio box 2016 on the merchandise system 2000.
FIGS. 105A through 105E illustrate isometric views of the
merchandise system 2000 in operation with a first product 2002.
FIG. 105A illustrates the merchandise system 2000 with the window
2010 closed and the first product 2002 located inside the housing
2050. FIG. 105B illustrates the merchandise system 2000 with the
window 2010 rotated and lifted up and the first product 2002 being
removed from the housing 2050. FIG. 105C illustrates the
merchandise system 2000 with the window 2010 still rotated open and
the first product 2002 removed from the housing 2050. A second
product 2003 is seen located in the housing 2050 at this stage.
FIG. 105D illustrates the merchandise system 2000 with the window
2010 still rotated open with the second product 2003 starting to
slowly slide forward with the pusher 2040. FIG. 105E illustrates
the merchandise system 2000 with the window 2010 closed again and
the second product 2003 located inside the housing 2050.
FIGS. 106A through 106E illustrate an example merchandise system
2000 that includes multiple housings 2050. The trigger axle 2012
may include both a male connection point 2020 on one side and a
female connection point 2022 on the opposite side. The circle
illustrated in FIG. 106D shows the male connection point 2020 and
the female connection point 2022 of the trigger axle 2012. As was
discussed above, the merchandise system 2000 may include a housing
2050 with an audio box 2016 or a housing 2050 without an audio box.
The trigger axels 2012 of additional (non-audio and audio)
merchandise systems 2000 can be mated together so that a single
audio merchandise system 2000 can be activated by numerous
non-audio merchandise systems 2000. FIG. 106E illustrates a first
merchandise system 2000A that includes an audio box 2016 attached
to a second merchandise system 2000B that is a non-audio system.
Both merchandise systems 2000A, 2000B include the trigger axles
2012A, 2012B and the cantilevers 2014A, 2014B attached together in
order to switch the trigger to sound the audio box 2016 on the
merchandise system 2000A.
The trigger axle 2012 may allow a number of non-audio merchandise
systems 2000 to be connected in-line with each other and ultimately
to one of the merchandise systems 2000 that includes an audio box.
Once the merchandise systems 2000 are connected together (with
non-audio box and audio box systems), any of the windows on the
connected, non-audio merchandise systems 2000 can trigger the
single audio box housed in the audio merchandise system 2000. This
allows a mechanical approach to connecting multiple,
less-expensive, non-audio merchandise systems 2000 to a single
audio merchandise system 2000, which makes the average cost of the
audio per facing significantly lower. This may also decrease the
battery replacement for store employees to one audio box per linear
run rather than multiple audio boxes in the same run.
Additionally, the merchandise system 2000 may include a
"guillotine" type device that could be activated by the opening of
the security window. When the door 2010 is lifted upwards, the
guillotine portion may extend downwards into the two "pockets"
formed on either side of the tangent point (from a top view)
between a product or can in front and a product or can immediately
behind it. This guillotine portion would effectively block the
removal of the next product or can until the slow pusher moved the
product or can forward enough to allow the guillotine to fall
behind that product or can when the window is opened.
Additionally, the merchandise system 2000 may include a mechanical
lock-out device for all windows of the attached merchandise systems
2000. This may be similar in design to a mechanical version of the
electronic lock-out module as described above and illustrated in
FIGS. 92A through 101C. This mechanical lock-out module may include
incorporating a fluid-filled damper element attached to the trigger
axle 2012. The use of a fluid-filled damper element may allow the
merchandise system 2000 to have a set number of door openings
before triggering a mechanical lock-out of all of the attached
security windows. Once the fluid-filled damper relaxes, the damper
would allow the windows to be opened once again.
Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope
of the present invention. It should be understood that the
invention disclosed and defined herein extends to the individual
features and all alternative combinations of two or more of the
individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or
drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various
alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments
described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the
invention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the
invention.
* * * * *
References